Blind family dog mauled by Pit Bull Terriers in Lambeth park

A blind family dog mauled by illegal Pit Bull Terriers died after being attacked in a Lambeth park.

Sofia Faleiro was told to "get over it" after three unmuzzled dogs left her Jack Russell Terrier, Zoey, covered in blood with her ear hanging off.

Her husband, Ulrik, was bitten by one of the dogs as he fought them off Zoey, and their four-year-old daughter was chased.

Sonia, a local author, was on a picnic on Monday with her husband, daughter and 15-year-old Zoey in Norwood Park.

Shortly after the family arrived, a man, woman and children entered the Lambeth Park with three Pit Bull Terriers which they let off their leads.

Sonia said they came, "racing towards the family as a pack looking like they were about to attack".

"My husband picked up Zoey. He's 6'4" but these immensely strong dogs were able to wrench her out of his grasp and lock their jaws on her.

"While this is happening, the owners simply stood and watched. We noticed they were wearing dog handling gloves so it seems they were aware that they have biting dogs."

After Ulrik struggled Zoey free from the mouth of one dog, another went for their 4-year-old daughter, said Sonia.

She said: "One of the dogs fled and ran towards my four year-old who had to run away from it.

Sonia asked the owners to wait while she called 999 but was told to "get over it mate". They fled the scene, with Zoey bleeding profusely.

The "happy and playful" dog was rushed to the vet but died after she collapsed with seizures hours later.

The vet said: "The shock had been too great for her".

Sonia posted her horrific experience online and has been contacted by locals who say they have been attacked by the same animals in the past.

She is urging more witnesses to come forward.