UNITED KINGDOM -- A grandfather is warning parents about a dangerous dog after he was attacked as he was leaving a park.
Alan Platt was near the Chorley New Road entrance to Queens Park when a dog, which he believes was a bull mastiff, broke free from its owner’s control.
The animal jumped up and bit 69-year-old Mr Platt on his thigh, tearing through his skin and leaving him with a wound.
The emergency services were called and he was taken to hospital, but is now recovering at home in St Margaret’s Close, Heaton.
The owner of the dog apologised to Mr Platt, but left the scene and police are now trying to trace him. Mr Platt said the owner needs to be found before the dog attacks a child.
He said: “I had been bowling with a friend and I was just leaving the park, minding my own business, when this dog just ran over to me and jumped up and bit my leg.
“It was painful and was a big shock. I was not expecting anything like that to happen.”
Mr Platt managed to fight off the dog by hitting it with his knee, and it backed off.
He said: “It is very dangerous. If it had jumped up at a child it could have ripped their throat out.
“I am very concerned that it could attack again and if it is a child they might be more seriously injured. Fortunately I did not have to have stitches, but I have big bite marks and bruises.”
The incident happened between 2pm and 2.30pm on Monday.
The dog owner is described as a black man, about 5ft 9in and large build. The dog is black and white. He walked off in the direction of Heaton Golf Club.
Anyone with information can contact police on 101.
(The Bolton News - May 30, 2013)
