A SHOCKED couple told how a crazed XL Bully-type hound savaged their pet dog just months before killing its tragic owner.
Ryan Gray, 25, and Claudia Jackowska, 23, revealed neighbours had been left terrified by the fearsome beast’s rampages for months.
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They said they reported the mutt to cops and dog wardens after it left their shaken collie Clyde covered in blood.
And their worst fears came true when the savage canine lashed out at Michelle McLeod, 41, at her flat in Foresterhill, Aberdeen, on Saturday night.
Mercy crews raced to the “much-loved” mum’s pad after the alarm was raised but she died at the scene.
Horrified Ryan, 25, admitted: “We thought it was only a matter of time before something serious happened.
“We were scared whenever we went out the house in case he was out there. But this is just crazy.”
Michelle had owned American Bulldog Bailey for just months and told neighbours it was a former farm guard dog.
Ryan told how the beast clamped its jaws around terrified Clyde’s neck while out for a walk in July.
He then bravely put his hand inside the beast’s mouth in a bid to halt its attack.
The dad recalled: “It was on a lead but somehow managed to escape and get away from Michelle.
“Its muzzle was loose and then he ran and he had a grip on my dog’s neck.
“There was a lot of shouting as I was telling her to get the dog off Clyde.”
Ryan escaped with a few nips and cuts after by-standers rushed to help.
Claudia recalled: “Three of them with Ryan were pulling at the dog.
“It could have been a lot worse.”
She recalled later going back outside to find her phone after dropping it during the fracas to find Michelle searching for the dog’s muzzle.
The mum said: “She was nice enough but she never said sorry or anything.
“From then on she just looked away as soon as she saw us on the street.”
Another dog owner reported hurling their pet over a wall to separate it from the savage canine.
And Ryan and Claudia had another escape just weeks ago when Bailey lurched for Clyde again.
Ryan reckoned the tragedy could have been averted if the mutt had been trained. It has since been destroyed.
He said: “He was still a pup and very much trainable. I thought he might have had a better chance if he went somewhere he could be trained.
“But when we reported it we were told nothing much would be done in terms of punishment.
“Nothing seemed to happen.
“The dog hated other animals but he seemed to have a bond with his owner. You don’t expect this on your doorstep.”
Another resident recalled seeing Michelle take Clyde outside on to a small patch of grass near her flat.
They claimed: “He got taken for one walk a day. That was never going to be enough for a dog that size.”
Michelle’s devastated loved ones told of their pain.
They said: “She was a much-loved mother, daughter and friend to many and will be sorely missed by all who knew her. We’d ask that our privacy is respected and allow us to grieve at this very difficult time.”
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Police Scotland said: “Inquiries are ongoing.
“Anyone with concerns can speak to officers.”
