Family pug killed in horrific dog attack in Beckton

A heartbroken mum is calling on other pet owners to be on their guard after her dog was mauled to death and her daughter injured in a frenzied attack near their family home.

Rachel Johnson’s pug Winston was being walked by daughter Charlie Lewis when a dog – thought to be a pitbull terrier – viciously attacked five-year-old Winston shortly after 9am on Saturday, February 28.

The mum-of-two, who lives in Sheerwater Road, Beckton, where the incident happened, said the tan-coloured animal was not on a lead and the owner was nowhere to be seen.

Rachel, 35, who also has a second pug called Doobie, said: “The dog launched at Winston from behind. He snatched him in his mouth and killed him instantly by damaging his windpipe.”

As 20-year-old Charlie ran back to find her mum, nearby residents tried to rescue Winston.

“Neighbours flocked out and tried to get Winston away from him but understandably they were scared about getting hurt because the whole thing was animated,” Rachel said.

“He was so out of control and when I got out he was still running around with Winston in his mouth. It was horrific.”

Eventually, Rachel’s second daughter Ellie Lewis, 18, was able to get the family pet back.

Rachel said: “But the pitbull was that excited he smashed into her lips. She is really traumatised now.”

Following the incident Rachel is calling on nearby residents to be more vigilant while out with their children and pets.

She said: “I just want to warn other residents around here. In a similar incident, a baby was bitten by a dog on the same estate. It’s dangerous and horrible.

“I wouldn’t want anybody else to go through what my family has gone through.”

Police officers in the area are carrying out inquiries to locate the dog and its owner.”

Call police on 101 with info.