A MAN whose dog mauled a 15-week-old puppy is being investigated after it savagely attacked another pet in a busy park.

The sausage dog called Frankie is “lucky to be alive” after the Staffordshire bull terrier owned by Mark Leech, of Brighton, sank its teeth into the flesh around its neck.

A woman who witnessed the attack in Dyke Road Park in Hove on August 15 said she was alerted by cries of pain from Frankie and screams for help from his walker.

The witness, Jemma Garrett, said: “The screaming is what will stay with me for ever.

“I ran over and I saw one dog hanging on to the other dog, he just wouldn’t let go.

“There was blood on the dog’s neck, it was so horrific.”

Ms Garrett then took a picture of the Staffie and his owner, who were identified as Mr Leech and dog Enzo.

Enzo was also responsible for an attack on a cocker spaniel puppy last year.

Mr Leech said the incident was “regrettable” and added: “This has blackened my name and we’ve come to an agreement over the costs of the vet’s bill.

“I’m going to pay half.

“I’m very sorry for what’s happened, now Enzo is muzzled, kept on a lead and is not going to that park.”

Mr Leech said he was bitten in the fracas by sausage dog Frankie and has taken time off work to recuperate after losing a nail.

Mr Leech was also bitten in the previous attack.

Frankie’s owner, who did not wish to be named, said: “Everyone is upset about this, especially the children.

“Frankie is such a friendly and sociable dog, he loves attention and goes around looking for anyone to give him a belly rub.

“He’s perked up a lot but the wounds still have drains and stitches because they are very deep.”

Brighton and Hove City Council’s dog warden, who investigated the previous incident and is currently investigating the second, confirmed Mr Leech had been given advice after the first attack.

She said: “It is currently under investigation and we are waiting for witness statements but there is no outcome as yet.”

A post about the incident has been shared on Facebook more than a thousand times.

A spokeswoman from the RSPCA said: “We encourage responsible dog ownership and believe all owners should be able to keep their dogs under control when out and about.

“The personality and temperament of a dog is much more complex than just its breed.

“It’s down to how the dog was bred and reared as well as its early life experiences.”