A FAMILY has been “traumatised” after their pet dog was blinded in a vicious attack by another dog in Banbury.

The white Pomeranian dog was being walked on a lead by a family with a young girl, when a man with a large dog walked past.

The larger dog – a white Japanese Akita-type dog – then attacked the pet, severing its optical nerves and leaving it blind.

It happened on Banbury Canal Day – Sunday, October 5 – at about 3.30pm, on the tow path near the Mill Arts Centre in Spiceball Park Road.

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Thames Valley Police did not inform the public of the attack until yesterday.

Police said that the larger dog had very distinctive dark brown and light brown legs and the man walking it was white, about 6ft 2in, stocky, with short shaved hair and he was wearing knee-length combat shorts.

Pc Paul Froggatt said: “This was a ferocious attack on a small dog which was on a lead.

“The family, which includes a young daughter, were enjoying the Banbury Canal Day when the incident happened and have been completely traumatised by this attack on their pet dog.

“The family are devastated by what happened to their dog and it is vital that we trace the owner of the larger dog and speak to him.

“The attack happened on one of the busiest days of the year in Banbury and there were crowds of people nearby when it happened.

“We have pursued all other lines of inquiry and I am now asking for assistance from members of the public to try and identify this man and his dog.”

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