UNITED KINGDOM -- A DOG owner has spoken of the ‘horrific’ injuries her pet suffered after being attacked by two ‘huge’ Japanese Akitas at a local beauty spot – and warned of the dangers of some dogs around other animals and children.
Jane Mancuso said her poodle Max - who Park Veterinary Group dubbed ‘the miracle dog’ because they were sure he would not survive - had been ‘forever changed’ by the attack at Cosmeston park in July last year, in which the two dogs ‘ripped him to shreds’.
Their owner Christopher John Garner, of Myrtle Close, was this month banned from keeping dogs for life, given a 12-month community order with 70 hours unpaid work, and ordered to pay £1,103.22 compensation, after he admitted being the owner of two dogs which were dangerously out of control in a public place.
Cardiff and Vale Magistrates also ordered that the two dogs be destroyed, due to the nature of their conduct before and after siezure, and because the magistrates could not be satisfied that they did not pose a danger to public safety.
Mrs Mancuso said she feared nine-year-old Max would die, such was the extent of his injuries.
“There was blood everywhere and he was totally unconscious. It was horrific,” said the Caversham Park resident.
“We had an emergency call-out from the vet but his injuries were so bad that they couldn't operate for five days. The vet said they had hardly ever seen anything like it.”
Mrs Mancuso's partner had been walking Max when the incident happened.
“The two dogs, who had escaped from their owner's home, came out of nowhere and pounced on Max," she said.
"They are huge dogs, bigger than me. My boyfriend tried to pull them off Max, which is more than I would have been brave enough to try, but they were too strong.
“They are scary animals. They don't come under the Dangerous Dogs Act but I think they should.
“My boyfriend actually bumped into their owner beforehand and he asked if he had seen his two dogs, which he described as ‘a bit boisterous’," she added.
"After the attack he was very apologetic and fetched water and a blanket for Max, but I feel he was irresponsible as he had no lead for them.”
The veterinary report said Max needed a hip replacement, and surgery to repair ‘multiple puncture wounds’ which left him unable to walk and with trouble breathing.
He needed morphine, IV fluids, and the total cost of care totalled more than £1,300.
“He is forever changed as a dog," added Mrs Mancuso.
"He used to be a quiet, loving poodle, but he has become a grumpy old man, angry and scared. We can’t walk him in open spaces any more. It’s sad.
"But at least he survived, against all odds.”
And she said that, despite the effect on Max, the thought of the attack happening to a child was too terrible to consider.
“I know children play in the open field at Cosmeston where the attack happened," she said.
“It doesn’t bear thinking about. As devastated as I am about the suffering Max has gone through, if his story can prevent the same thing happening to a child then it could be a blessing in disguise.”
(Penarth Times - March 15, 2012)
