Photographs have emerged of a blue-merle lurcher described as the “softest” family pet that fatally attacked its 19-year-old owner, with the victim’s father revealing the horrific moment he discovered his daughter collapsed after returning home from a fast-food restaurant.
Shy, a seven-year-old lurcher who had never displayed aggression during her lifetime, bit Jamie-Lea Biscoe in the neck at their Leaden Roding, Essex residence on Friday evening, with Jack Biscoe finding his only child unconscious between his bed and bedside table around 10.45pm.
The 37-year-old horse trainer had arrived home with partner Steven Daniels, 43, after visiting KFC when he made the devastating discovery, immediately attempting CPR before the family pet turned on him—biting off part of his ear whilst inflicting puncture wounds across his arms during the desperate rescue efforts.
“I thought I could trust that dog with my life and it took my daughter’s life,” Mr Biscoe told The Sun, warning families about “just how quick a dog can take away a life” whilst insisting dangerous dogs are “not breed-specific.”
The newly-released photographs show Shy—purchased by Mr Biscoe when she was seven weeks old—as the lurcher previously characterised as Jamie-Lea’s “best friend” who slept on the teenager’s bed throughout their seven-year relationship.
“Witnessing the horror and destruction it has caused me, it’s not worth it. Treat them as dogs, give them their beds, be careful,” the grief-stricken father stated, describing his inability to comprehend life without his daughter: “I don’t know how to step forward without that child in my life.”
Essex Police seized Shy alongside her 18-month-old puppies Bella and Mouse—who were downstairs during the attack—before arresting Mr Biscoe on suspicion of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury resulting in death, subsequently releasing him on bail until July.
Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Hooper confirmed Jamie-Lea “died from injuries believed to have been suffered as a result of a dog attack,” with breed verification tests underway though authorities believe Shy is a Lurcher Cross.
Mr Biscoe requires reconstructive surgery addressing ear injuries sustained whilst attempting saving his teenager, with the father describing Jamie-Lea as his “best friend” whose death proves “so painful.”
A GoFundMe established by aunt Maria has raised nearly £3,000 for funeral costs, stating the lurcher “had never shown any sign of aggression before this sad tragic incident” whilst characterising Jamie-Lea as “the kindest most beautiful young adult.”
Relative Tina Wells described the tragedy as “devastating,” noting Shy “slept on my granddaughter’s bed” throughout the seven-year period.
