IPSWICH: Devastated cat owner Karen Cook has today told of her horror at arriving home to find one of her beloved pets mauled to death by a neighbour’s dog.

The 51-year-old arrived back at her home in Chatsworth Drive at shortly after 3pm last Friday where she made the grim discovery.

Her ten-year-old cat Poppy had already died as a result of the attack by a neighbour’s Staffordshire bull terrier.

Visibly upset at what has happened, the dog’s owner, who asked not to be named, said she is deeply sorry at the “tragic accident”.

She said she believes Poppy the cat was in her garden and the dog chased her through into Mrs Cook’s garden.

Mrs Cook said that, arriving home, she was beside herself. “I didn’t know which way to turn,” she said.

“By the time I arrived home my neighbour had Poppy out of sight.

“My neighbour said the dog had Poppy in his mouth, tossing her around.

“I called the RSPCA and the police but because they aren’t classed as dangerous dogs there is nothing that can be done. Cats don’t count. We are devastated – I had five cats and I am so, so scared to let the others out now.

“I don’t know how bad Poppy’s injuries were. My husband started to tell me but I pleaded with him not to. She was so badly hurt.

“I just hope she didn’t suffer for long.”

The owner of the five-year-old Staffie said the police have visited her home and told her they are happy with how her dog is looked after.

She said: “I understand they were very upset about the incident. He is a much-loved member of the family.

“It was a very unfortunate accident, nothing like this has ever happened before. He is not a vicious dog.

“I know nothing I can say will change what has happened.”

A Suffolk police spokeswoman said: “We attended to speak to the victim and the dog owner to establish the circumstances.

“We are satisfied the dog does not present a risk at this time.

“The owners have taken reasonable steps to ensure there is an enclosed area in the garden for the dog.”

n Have you suffered a similar incident? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail evening starletters@eveningstar.co.uk.