Horrific Attack on Royal Family's Pet Dog
A terrifying dog attack on Kensington High Street left Tom Parker Bowles fighting to save his Jack Russell's life after a giant Cane Corso mastiff savaged the small terrier. The incident occurred last Thursday when the 10-stone protection dog tore into two-year-old Maud during a routine walk.
Mr Parker Bowles described wrestling the massive animal on the pavement as it clamped its jaws around Maud's 'soft white belly' and shook her like prey. He only managed to free his pet after kicking the mastiff 'in the balls' before leaping into a taxi to rush her to emergency veterinary care.
Muzzled Mastiff Spotted After Public Outcry
Just one week after the sickening attack that was captured on CCTV, the black Italian mastiff has been seen wearing a large muzzle while being walked by its handler. Photographs taken near the exclusive address show the animal with a handler dressed in specialist dog walking gear from German brand Gappay.
The Daily Mail investigation revealed the hulking animal is one of two Cane Corsos kept as protection dogs at a £30 million mansion on one of Britain's most expensive streets. The luxury home belongs to Chinese businesswoman Maria Leung, the glamorous ex-wife of controversial Chinese mining tycoon Chiu Tao.
Local walkers confirmed the mastiff is well-known in the area as one of the guard dogs kept within the property's walled garden. The handler, a slightly-built Chinese man, was spotted wearing black overalls from Gappay that retail at just under £200.
Businesswoman Owner's Background
Maria Leung, 56, began her career presenting financial bulletins on Hong Kong television before moving into corporate PR and ultimately into a consultancy role at CST Group. This Cayman-registered mining conglomerate is controlled by her billionaire ex-husband Chiu Tao, 70.
Land Registry records show she bought the four-storey Kensington mansion for £30 million in 2021 and immediately embarked on an extensive renovation. The project included digging out a vast new basement for extra living space and a private swimming pool.
Maud's Recovery and Calls for Responsible Ownership
Maud is now recovering at home from her gruesome injuries after undergoing surgery at Village Vet practice in Chiswick. She spent two days recovering at another practice in Hammersmith before being allowed home.
Mr Parker Bowles stated he is 'a firm believer that there's no such thing as a bad dog, rather a bad owner' and does not want the attacking dog to be put down. However, he called for restrictions on Cane Corso-style dogs, saying: 'What I do want, though, is these big, powerful and often beautiful dogs to be muzzled when out in public. Is that too much to ask?'
He emphasised that emergency vet care isn't cheap but noted Maud is covered by Petplan insurance. The food critic described how his pet is 'now on the mend' but faces 'a long and painful road to recovery' and might require further surgery.
Growing Concerns About Status Dogs
Cane Corsos have increasingly become known as 'status dogs' since XL Bully breeds were made illegal to own without an exemption certificate in 2023. While people permitted to have XL Bullies must muzzle them in public by law, there is currently no legal requirement to muzzle Cane Corsos, despite frequent attacks involving the breed.
In September, Conservative MP Gregory Stafford questioned whether the breed should be prohibited under the Dangerous Dogs Act, but the Government confirmed it had no plans to do so.
One eyewitness who watched the attack unfold outside Ryman's stationers said: 'It was clear that the man walking the larger black dog didn't have control of the dog properly. The little dog could have easily been torn to shreds.'
Mr Parker Bowles ended his account of the traumatic event by stating: 'If just one potentially dangerous dog is muzzled because of Maud's horrific attack, she won't have suffered in vain.'
