Douglas Wadeson, 60, of Otters Close, Ribbleton, was left struggling on the ground and his pet dog, Mackie, was severely injured.

Mr Wadeson was walking his dog through the cemetery in Miller Road when a Staffordshire Bull Terrier which was not on a lead charged at Mackie.
The bull terrier grabbed Mackie, a West Highland terrier, sunk its teeth into his neck and shook him.

Mr Wadeson tried to fend off the bull terrier with his walking stick, breaking the handle.

However, he fell to the ground and was unable to get up because of a recent hip replacement operation.

The three youths dressed in blue hoodies, who were walking the bull terrier, left the scene without a word.

Mr Wadeson was helped up by a passer-by and Mackie was taken to a vets surgery in New Lane, Penwortham.

His wife, Pat Wadeson, 60, an administrator for Marks and Spencers, called Fulwood police after Mr Wadeson returned home.

However, the police said there was nothing they could do.

"It's absolutely outrageous," said Mr Wadeson. "We're not going to let it drop.

"When the neighbours saw Mackie injured, they were distraught. We're going to start a petition."

A spokesman for Lancashire Police said: "On this occasion it wasn't a police matter and the couple were advised to contact the dog warden to deal with the matter."

Mr Wadeson was in the roofing business for 30 years but had to retire after a hip replacement, which makes it difficult for him to get up.

He said: "It happened so quickly that I couldn't get a good look at the youths. I had to get help from someone else.

"It's lucky Mackie didn't die and I wasn't seriously injured."
He said the attitude of the youths was appalling.

"The youths didn't even apologise. Is this where we're heading in society? I'm still in shock about it."

Mrs Wadeson said: "It's a joke. The Prestonian (council magazine] promotes dog walking in the cemetery at Christmas. How can people be expected to go when they're too scared!"

"There are signs in the cemetery saying to keep dogs on their leads. It should be better enforced."

A spokesman for Preston Council said: "We encourage people to walk their dogs responsibly and keep them on a lead in the cemetery."
Mackie is recovering at home after returning from the vet's.

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