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ANIMAL WATCH - “Two heartbroken dog owners described the shocking moments when they helplessly watched their beloved five-month-old poodle, Kola, being mauled to death by two vicious Pit Bulls,” the Manchester Evening News reported on February 7, 2026.
The tragic incident occurred on February 5 in Salford, a city on the banks of the River Irwell in Greater Manchester, North West England, known as the leading hub for media in the UK.
DISASTER CAN OCCUR ANYWHERE THERE’S A PIT BULL
Kola’s owner, who is reported to be a 29-year-old teacher, told the Manchester Evening News he was playing ball with Kola when he saw the owner with the two Pit Bulls (one brown and the other white) come into the park area and the two dogs suddenly bolted towards Kola.
Although it might not have made a difference in the outcome due to the viciousness and tenacity of the attackers, all three dogs (the Poodle and both XL Bullies) were reportedly unleashed, which is a recipe for disaster almost anywhere.
The outcome is a reminder that it is never wise to take any dog—and especially not a small or young dog, or aggressive-breed dog--outside your home or enclosed yard without a leash (and possibly a harness for a large dog) providing the ability to maintain full control over its activities and/or redirect it from unexpected danger. An attacking dog can appear anywhere and at any time, with or without warning.
WHERE THERE ARE PIT BULLS, THERE IS DANGER
The death of Kola is just one the latest occurring in a park by a dog bred to maim and kill by instinct and further trained to inflict wounds that will result in death, in an era where responsibility is often not taken seriously and there may be little or no assistance offered to victims -- children, innocent animals, or their owners.
According to the report, his owner said Kola was just a little bit away when the dogs ran for him. “I shouted for Kola to come back and he came back halfway. Then he really panicked and stopped. The dogs were running and I ran towards Kola. They were just so fast.”
“He tried to get away. He got away from one of them but the second one trampled all over him and bit into him. He could not fully get up. I scooped him up and the dogs were still going for him,” his owner said, according to the report.
It is time to ask: What type of money and influence is persuading or forcing politicians not to impose increased restrictions or worldwide prohibitions on breeds of dogs which, in 2025 alone, are reported to have killed at least 42 humans, according to DogsBite.com. “He went from frolicking to dying from massive fatal injuries,” Kola’s owner said.
Although the owner of the XL Bully offered to 'pay for everything,’ Kola’s owner picked up his bloody body and drove immediately to the nearest veterinary office. The tiny creature was said to “appear lifeless and in shock due to a snapped spine.” He could not be saved, according to the report.
MAJOR ORGANIZATIONS – AMERICA’S “INFLUENCERS”
The two largest and most influential organizations in the U.S. regarding Pit Bulls as pets are (listed in alphabetical order), undoubtedly, the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) and Best Friends Animal Society (BFAS). Below are links to their websites, which provide photos of their executive officers and information on their leadership positions and their personal pets.
American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)
Matt Bershadker, President & CEO, ASPCA – “The TRUTH about Pit Bulls” Also offers a complete opinion paper here and a photo page of officers, with their pets listed.
Best Friends Animal Society
Among the most ardent promoters of Pit Bulls as pets is Best Friends Animal Society, which provides photos of its 17 Board Members, Officers and Directors, with what appear to be their personal best friends, and include Chief Executive Officer Julie Castle (above). There is a notable absence of Pit Bulls as pets in the photos.
WHY ALL OF THIS MATTERS
Reminder: A toy poodle named Kola suffered fatal injuries in a dog attack in Langworthy Park - CredHandout
"The owner finally grabbed hold of his dogs. I got bit a little on both hands. He was screaming 'pick up your dog before I spark you out'. I was like, 'why are you screaming at me?'. He looked and he could see Kola was hurt and he was saying 'I'm so sorry' and he's shouting 'I will pay'. You could see Kola was hurt."
His partner, a 32-year-old youth worker, told reporters, "Our dog needed life-saving surgery but it wasn't successful. His spine was broken and his lungs were punctured and filled with blood. He didn't stand a chance. These dogs were so large and aggressive and their intention was to maim. My partner had to go to Salford Royal for a tetanus jab. At the moment both his hands are bandaged. He's on antibiotics as well."
In a tribute to Kola, who was born on August 13 last year, she described the lifelong damage done to victims of attacks that harm or kill beloved pets. “He was more than just a pet,” He brought light and joy into our life. He's taught us how to love, basically. He's left a big paw print gap in our life."
(Phyllis M. Daugherty is a former Los Angeles City employee and a long-time animal welfare advocate. A contributor to CityWatchLA, she is known for her investigative reporting on animal shelter operations, misuse of public funds, and the dangers of poorly regulated pet adoption policies. She is a strong proponent of public safety in animal control, advocating for stricter oversight of aggressive dog breeds, especially pit bulls, and for breed-specific legislation.)
