A Liverpool mother whose son was killed in a gruesome dog attack has set up a charity trust in his name and plans to campaign for dogs to be muzzled around children.
Tragic John Paul Massey died when an illegal American pitbull terrier named Uno savaged him in a frenzied attack at his grandmother's home last year.
Pensioner Helen Foulkes, 64, who was mauled as she battled in vain to save her grandson from the fearsome jaws of the animal named Uno on 1st December at her home in Ash Grove, Wavertree.
Now John Paul's mother, Angela McGlynn, has broken her silence over the tragedy. She revealed that the family has pledged never to have another dog as a pet and is urging parents to muzzle dogs that are in contact with children.
She and other family members have established the John Paul Massey Memorial Fund. She plans to campaign for dogs to be muzzled and to provide free muzzles and training in their use for needy families.
Speaking on BBC Radio Merseyside, Angela, 32, said: "It is so we can raise awareness and educate parents and people with pet dogs on how to be that little bit more aware.
"Also we would like to provide muzzles for eligible people who can't afford them."
Referring to the pit bull attack death of four year old Ellie Lawrenson in January 2007 in St Helens, Merseyside, Angela said that amnestys for handing over dangerous dogs do "do not not get anywhere".
Angela added: "I'm not saying to people 'get rid of your dog' because wheer would that get us? They did the dog amnesty ofter Ellie and that did not get anywhere.
"If you have young children by all means let your pet play with them but perhaps take the precaution of muzzling the dog.
"What I am saying is to make people aware that this was our pet dog, this was brought up as part of fam and this is what has hap to us.
"So just be that bit more aware and if they want to take the steps we are asking, with a muzzle, then that is totally up to them."
* The owner of the dog that killed John Paul Massey was his uncle, trainee soldier Christian Foukes. A Merseyside Police investigation continues into his possession of the banned breed animal after he was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter.
Jay Horgan, Staffordshire around 4 months ago