Plaque in memory of Gornal dog stabbed to death

A plaque has been engraved in memory of a much-loved dog that was stabbed to death in the street. Its distraught owner has now found a new companion.

Donations have flooded in since Tyson died after being attacked by Simon Follos in Abbey Street, Lower Gornal, with more than £800 being raised. It is hoped the plaque can be erected near the spot where the German Shepherd died. Its owner Wayne Bird has taken in a new dog from a rescue centre, but he says Tyson can "never be replaced".

He has taken in the 16-month old German Shepherd, called Blade, from charity Dog Samaritans after seeing it on a website.

The plaque reads: "Tyson Bird – devoted, faithful and much-loved companion to your loving dad Wayne. You will always be remembered by all of your family and friends in Gornal."

Simon Follos, aged 38, attacked the dog outside his home in Abbey Street, Lower Gornal, while rowing with its owner Mr Bird.

The 12-year-old animal later died at a vets practice after going into convulsions.

Flowers were left by residents in memory of the popular pet outside the local Darby & Joan club, near the scene of the attack.

Rose Beedles, Mr Bird's aunt, is now applying for permission from the council to hang the plaque. There are also plans to use the money raised to fix hooks outside shops for dog leads to be tied up.

Miss Beedles said: "We have been amazed by the response and we are so grateful to everyone who has come forward. Tyson was a very special dog and we are so pleased that he will be remembered in this way."

Follos, 38, will be sentenced next month after pleading guilty to possessing a bladed article in public, causing unnecessary suffering to an animal, and a charge of criminal damage by destroying a dog.

Dudley Magistrates Court heard last week that Follos threatened to cut Mr Bird's throat when the dog owner walked past his house.

They argued for about 10 minutes when the dog began to bark and Follos stabbed the dog in the side of the chest.