AN animal lover is urging other pet owners to be vigilant after her beloved Jack Russell was badly hurt by another dog in Cassiobury Park.

Mrs Margaret Shore's dog Rocco needed 26 stitches after another dog bit him, ripping open the back of his neck, when he was enjoying a walk along the towpath on Saturday afternoon.

The 10-year-old male Jack Russell was lucky to survive the ordeal but is still very poorly after an operation to repair the wounds inflicted by a black dog more than twice his size.

He needed surgery and other veterinary treatment costing £500.

Mrs Shore, of Langwood Gardens, Watford, was walking Rocco and her other Jack Russell Tuppence with her granddaughter when a springer spaniel, who was playing in the water with three other dogs, bounded up to them.

She said: "Both of my dogs were on leads and for no apparent reason the dog jumped out of the water and pounced on Rocco. He lifted him up by the back of the neck and shook him like he was a rabbit. There was blood pouring out."

Rocco was lucky to survive as he sustained internal injuries and vets feared an air bubble in his bloodstream could reach his lung causing a fatal collapse.

Mrs Shore said: "The dog may never have done anything like this before but owners should be aware of what their animals are capable of and have consideration for other dogs.

"I always put my dog on a lead when we meet other dogs to avoid a confrontation.

"The park is there for everyone and I take my grandchildren down there all the time. Dogs must be kept under control or next time it could be my granddaughter or another child who is savaged."

July 2, 2002 17:00