Call for law change after dog dies in attack

Joanne Newbury is campaigning for "Murphy's Law" to ensure all pet owners have liability insurance in case of attacks

A woman whose cockapoo died following an attack by a larger dog has launched a national campaign calling for mandatory pet insurance.

Joanne Newbury from Bedfordshire said pursuing the dog's owner for £3,500 of vet fees had been "absolutely horrific" after Murphy died in June.

She had been walking him along a country lane when an off-lead dog "went for him", leaving Murphy with fatal injuries.

"I wouldn't want anyone to go through the trauma of this, but also the financial implications – it could ruin someone," she said.

Her own pet insurance covered more than half of the £10,000 vet fees, but she was still left with a bill of £3,500.

"No one should go through the financial pressure of the other person not having the correct insurance," she said.

Murphy the cockapoo was attacked by a dog three times his size, days before his 10th birthday

Ms Newbury had raised Murphy from a pup and said the 10-year-old was "a loving little boy".

The self-employed bookkeeper said: "I work from home, so he was with me all the time. He was quite anxious and just wanted to feel safe and loved."

She said it was "a normal day" when they took a walk down a country lane, before spotting two large dogs off their leads in a neighbouring field.

"I thought I'd avoid the field, as Murphy was anxious," she said.

"But one of them came charging at him and just went for him. He didn't stand a chance.

"I was screaming and begging the dog's owner to put it back on a lead."

Warning: this report contains some distressing details

Ms Newbury could see Murphy was bleeding, but the extent of his injuries was not clear until she took him to the animal hospital.

Vets discovered four broken ribs, internal bleeding and extensive crush injuries.

His back was punctured and the muscle severely torn.

Despite emergency surgery, Murphy's heart stopped two days later and he passed away.

"They hoped he would pull through, but it was too much for him," Ms Newbury said.

"He went through hell."

Joanne and Murphy became known online after doing a 125-mile fundraising walk for Cancer Research UK

She has now launched a petition calling on the government to introduce "Murphy's Law" - requiring all dog owners to have third-party pet insurance.

Despite the other dog's owner admitting fault, Ms Newbury said they had refused to cover the cost of Murphy's treatment.

"Financially, I think I shouldn't be in this situation when I was responsible and had insurance," she said.

"They owned up, went to the police, did what they had to do, but it's all on me to chase everything. It's exhausting, especially while grieving."