A dog owner who had a firework thrown at him in a frightening attack has been left devastated after his dog fled during the incident.
Greg Connelly fears he’ll never see his wire-haired fox terrier Millie again after she bolted from the scene near the Renfrew Ferry port on Monday, October 28.
The 66-year-old described the town as a “war zone” in the lead up to Bonfire Night after a thug launched a firework ‘banger’ device at him while he was walking his two dogs.
Greg reported the incident to cops and has spent the last seven days desperately hunting for Millie, with drones being used in the search.
A rescue group has also travelled from Ayrshire to offer their help.
The distraught dog owner told the Record: “I was out walking Millie and my other dog, Zac. Then I heard this loud, deafening bang as the firework landed a couple of feet from us.
“It all happened in a split second. The dogs panicked and Millie ran.
“I tried my best to hold onto the leash but she wriggled out of her collar and ran off.
“I tripped over the lead and crashed onto the pavement, when I stood up I was in agony I could barely move.
“I didn’t see who threw the firework, but I noticed a young man dressed in dark clothing. He turned and started quickly walking away.
“I felt completely hopeless and my heart was racing. But I couldn’t think about anything other than getting Millie back.
“My biggest fear was her running onto a road and getting killed by a bus or a car.”
Greg says he can’t understand why people are choosing to use fireworks as ‘weapons’, and fears other people and dogs are at risk.
He added: “The town is like a war zone. I’ve heard horror stories about other people out walking their dogs and having fireworks thrown at them.
“Someone told me there were boys throwing fireworks out of a car. Something catastrophic is going to happen.
“They are dangerous weapons in the wrong hands and they are clearly getting into the wrong hands.
“If it happens to anyone else then they need to report it to the police. Strong action needs to be taken to stop this.”
Greg says the whole experience has left him shattered and that he is constantly worrying about Millie.
He added: “I’m worried I’ll never see her again and with every day that passes, I’m starting to think she’s gone and she’s not coming home.
“She’s a rescue dog and has probably already been through trauma in her life.
“To think she is somewhere petrified just makes me sick. It was the worst thing that has ever happened in my life.
There was absolutely nothing I could do.
“I’ve been handing out posters and we are getting drones out in the hope we can trace Millie.
“Ayrshire Drone Dog Rescue have kindly travelled up and got permission to fly over the area.”
Police Scotland has confirmed the force has received a report of Greg’s missing dog.
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