A 26-year-old Yorkshire Terrier, who was declared as the country's oldest dog last year, died after being attacked by another canine while he was on his morning walk with his owner.
Jack, who had lived equivalent to 117
human years, died yesterday when his owner Ray Bunn was taking him for a walk close to his home at Hartlepool Marina.
The other dog, described as a black Lakeland terrier and not on a lead, attacked him. The owner tried to punch him but it would not let go, the Daily Express reported.
"Jack was the oldest dog in the country, and for him to die in this horrible, violent way, as opposed to peacefully in his sleep, is a tragedy," Bunn, 70, a retired factory worker, said.
"The dog just came out of nowhere and grabbed Jack on his side. He wasn't on a lead. I was desperate to get the dog off Jack. I punched it, but it was about three minutes before it let go," he said.
"He was bleeding heavily but still breathing. Someone had a blanket and we wrapped him up and put him in the back of the car," Bunn said.
Jack died on the way to the vets.
Last December, Jack had become a nationwide celebrity when he celebrated his 26th birthday and was declared the country's oldest canine.
A love of sirloin steak and lots of exercise were the secrets of his incredible longevity.
Cleveland Police have been informed about the incident and Bunn has exchanged details with the other dog's owner, they said.
Jack had been part of the Bunn family for the past 16 years after he was rescued while being tied to a tree to be abandoned.
"He had his own unique character and was loved by so many people. He was very well known in the area for being the country's oldest dog. Everybody will be so upset, Bunn said.
"Police received a report from a male that his dog had been attacked this morning in Hartlepool and sadly it passed away. Cleveland Police will make enquiries into whether any offences have taken place," a police spokeswoman said.
