A ‘POMCHI’ - a Pomeranian-chihuahua cross - was savaged to death by a greyhound as the tiny dog was being walked by an eight-year-old boy.

Blackburn magistrates heard the boy cried himself to sleep after the incident, blaming himself for the death of Teddy because he hadn’t picked him up quickly enough.

The court was told the boy’s mother, who was with him, tried desperately to stop the attack.

She claimed the owner of the greyhound was “stood there doing nothing.”

Michelle Caroline Humphrys, 30, of Percival Street, Darwen, pleaded guilty to being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control. She was fined £80 and ordered to pay £245 compensation, £85 costs and £30 victim surcharge.

Andy Robinson, prosecuting, said Teddy’s owner and her two children were walking their pet near Dove Lane allotments in Darwen. She saw two large dogs in the distance which were off the lead. They came over and the biggest of the two attacked Teddy whose lead was being held by her eight-year-old son.

“The dog bit him and shook him around like a rag doll,” said Mr Robinson. “She kicked the dog to try to get it away and was worried she and her children might be attacked as well. Every time she got the dog off it went back and attacked the smaller animal’s neck. She said the woman who was with the dog stood there and did nothing.”

Mr Robinson said another woman eventually dragged the greyhound away.

Teddy was taken to the vets but had to be put down.

“Teddy’s owner said the incident affected her children, especially the eight-year-old who was holding it,” said Mr Robinson. “She described it as heartbreaking for the whole family.”

Waseem Chowdary, defending, said his client was distressed by the incident.

“She has never been involved in anything like this before,” said Mr Chowdhary. “Both the dogs were off the lead because she didn’t believe they posed any danger. There had been no previous incidents and she says they are lovely dogs.”

He said since the incident in August the dogs were always muzzled and on the lead when they were out. The magistrates said they were not making a destruction order because of the defendant’s good character.

Taking them out muzzled may be the best thing to do,” said the chairman.