Dog attack victim: 'I may never be able to use my arm again'

UNITED KINGDOM -- A man who had his arm snapped in two by a dog while making a routine delivery has revealed he might never regain proper use of it.

But 62-year-old Chris Hirst says he is just happy to be alive after the horrific ten-minute mauling he suffered.

He was delivering prescription medication to a house on Fairfax Crescent in Bierley in April when he was attacked by an American Bulldog, which latched on to his right arm.

He was saved from possible death when a local resident, Danny Gomersall, jumped into the yard and hit the dog with a spade several times.

Mr Hirst, of Tyersal, was rushed to hospital with his arm hanging on by skin.

Since then the father-of-two has undergone five surgeries to repair his arm.  He has to return to Leeds General Infirmary for regular physiotherapy sessions, and since sustaining his horrific injury has been signed off work as a pharmacy worker.

Speaking the same day the Government announced plans for tougher sentences on owners of dangerous dogs, Mr Hirst said: “My arm has been reconnected, but its not much use at the moment. I can move my thumb a little bit, but I’ve been told that I won’t get the full use of it again.

“I do hope I can use it again in some way eventually.  I still have to go to the hospital regularly for physiotherapy. I have to see an orthopaedic surgeon and a plastic surgeon.

“But at least I’m still alive. I wouldn’t have been if it wasn’t for Danny who helped me.

“There are too many incidents these days where people are getting bitten by dogs. I managed to get away – I could have easily lost my life, but I have been left with a useless arm.”

Mr Hirst doubts that he will be able to return to work, adding: “I don’t think I’ll be able to manage another job now. This attack has taken a lot away from me.”

The new laws, proposed yesterday, could see owners of killer dogs get life imprisonment, and owners of dogs that cause serious injury to people receive a maximum ten-year sentence.

And it would also lead to prosecutions for attacks on private property, something which is currently prevented by law.

Bradford Council deputy leader, Councillor Imran Hussain, who is responsible for safer communities, said: “In principle I welcome these changes.

“Clearly we need to do more to tackle rogue and irresponsible dog owners, particularly those who see dogs as a weapon. There has to be severe penalties for these people, however, we also need to be mindful of other dog owners who don’t fall into this category.”

Bob Hulme, Bradford representative for the Communication Workers’ Union, which represents postal workers, said: “I’d support anything that makes it safer for members of the public, and for our postal workers to go about their business. Anything that makes dog owners feel more responsible is a good thing.

(Bradford Telegraph and Argus - Aug 7, 2013)