Cat attacked on doorstep

Ron Shaw, 70, leapt to the rescue weilding a screwdriver after when the terrified Persian cat, named Misty, was snatched by two terriers in the garden of his Piper's Lane home in Heswall.

The retired draughtsman said: "They had hold of her at both ends; had I not been there they would have torn her apart in the middle. They were snnarling and yapping.

"I was absolutely shocked. I had a screwdriver and was flailing around trying to get them to go. I was in a terrible panic."

The terriers released Misty and she ran off. But in going to find her Mr Shaw discovered her brother Persina Muffin dead on a nearby doorstep. Neighbours disclosed that the two terriers had been seen chasing her.

Mr Shaw was working on his car outside his home in Piper's Lane - which overlooks the Wirral Way - and had gone into the garage minutes to get a screwdriver seconds before the tragic events unfolded.

He said: “Luckily, Misty managed to escape and I didn't know whether she was hurt. I was worried that she’d been savaged and was bleeding and went to look for her. They would have killed her if I hadn't intervened.

"It's horrible to see an animal being nearly pulled apart in front of you. What would happen if the dogs got into a place where there was a small child?”

Wirral Council has warned dog owners to keep tighter control of theri pets when walking along Wirral Way.

Action will be taken, they say, against irresponsible owners who fail to control agressive dogs in public places.

Mr Shaw saw the owners of the terriers and screamed at them to control their dogs. He said: "Their reply was 'fence your gardens in to make them dog-proof.'

"But It's not up to us to make our houses into fortresses."

The cats' owner Margaret Little, a nurse, who lives near Mr Shaw, praised him for the actions.

She said: “Ron reacted in the way we would expect him to. He was very close to Muffin and did everything he could to save him. He saved Misty's life, without a thought for his own safety.

"To see Misty lying on the step was a miracle. For a few days afterwards, she was quiet and I think this is because she was missing her brother. I was in tears for a week.

"When I came home I saw Muffin on the step. But Misty was nowhere to be found and I thought she was dead. So when she turned up later, without a scratch, it was like a miracle.

“My daughter and grandchildren live with us. They play out in the garden. My daugther has a three-week-old baby and wouldn't be able to leave her in pram on the patio now, after what’s happened.

"The owner was out of control of these dogs and they are obviously very dangerous."

Police were informed and are investigating the incident. Cllr David Elderton, cabinet member for culture, tourism and leisure, explained: "Dog owners need to remember that owning a dog is a privilege and there are laws to make sure that people don’t abuse that privilege and take their responsibility seriously."

Under the Dangerous Dogs Act, the police and local authority could prosecute owners of any breed of dog who attacks or makes a person fear that they may be attacked. Under the Dogs Act, the council could take civil action through the Magistrates Court if a dog is seen to be out of control, including attacking other dogs.

Cllr Elderton added: "As a dog owner myself, I know that sometimes our pets don't always do as they are told, but ultimately, owners are legally responsible for the animals in their care. This is not about punishing people who are trying to do their best but a clear need to clarify the legal position. These laws exist in order to protect law abiding responsible people.

"However, our park rangers liaise closely with the dog wardens who will intervene if they think an owner is not taking appropriate action to control an aggressive dog – whatever the breed.

"Owners should seek advice from an expert if they are concerned about their dog’s aggressive behaviour."