Saturday, March 17, 2012

Call for a park 'canine curfew' after dog attack

UNITED KINGDOM -- WOMAN whose puppy was savaged by two loose dogs at Reigate Priory Park has called for a canine curfew.

PE teacher Nicky Ponsford says she was walking her little collie/Lhasa Apso cross Bumble at around 6.30am on Friday, when two huge huskies appeared from nowhere and attacked.


She told the Mirror: "We were going to go over the top ridge in the park when suddenly I heard this thudding noise from the left.

"There were two huge dogs running loose and Bumble, who was on a lead, just wanted to play. But one started growling, then the other.

"They started nipping at her and in a flash, one of them picked her up in its mouth and started shaking her.

"I tried to get her away and I was bitten on the hand. It all happened so quickly. I screamed and screamed for help."

The attack only stopped when the dogs' owner appeared and shouted at his animals.

Miss Ponsford, 28, of Hooley Lane, Earlswood, added: "I don't know what the dogs might have done to me or Bumble if he hadn't appeared then.

"He asked me if I was OK, said sorry and said, 'They've never done that before', before walking off.

"I think there needs to be a curfew, perhaps from 7am to 7pm, when dogs must be kept on a lead at that park."

After a trip to the vets, Bumble, who is currently on painkillers and antibiotics, and who had to be shaved so his bites could be treated, is recovering.

A spokesman for Reigate and Banstead Borough Council said: "As part of our dog warden service, we follow up complaints of dog-on-dog attacks and out of control animals.

"Surrey Police have responsibility for banned breeds and dog attacks on people and livestock.

"It is the responsibility of dog owners to keep their dogs under control all times – this includes when they are on and off a lead.

"Under the Dangerous Dogs Act we encourage the owners of dogs with a known history of attacking other dogs to muzzle them when they are being exercised in public. If they do not comply, we work with the police to enforce it."

Miss Ponsford says she has reported her incident to police.

(Surrey Mirror - March 16, 2012)