Dog attacks Trellech woman

UNITED KINGDOM -- A Trellech woman has told how being attacked by her neighbour’s dog has affected her life.

 Caroline Lyness suffered serious leg injuries when she was bitten the German Shepherd in September last year.

 She has told her story to highlight calls for members of the public to be better protected against such attacks.

 “It was one of the most horrendous experiences of my life,” said Caroline.

“I was walking home and was going past my neighbour’s drive when the dog and its fully grown pups ran down to me together and started barking.

 “The owner was nowhere to be seen and didn’t offer any help when he did. I was bitten twice on my left thigh by the adult but fortunately managed to get away before more damage could be done.

 The injuries were so severe I went to A and E at Neville Hall Hospital and had to attend our local GP surgery every three days to the wounds cleaned and dressed. It was just awful.”

 Following a criminal trial into the incident three months ago, it was ruled that the dog involved should be destroyed while the owner was fined after pleading guilty to allowing the animal to be dangerous out of control.

 But Caroline has not received compensation for her injuries as the defendant does not have any financial assets or insurance.

 Caroline said: “It has been difficult for me to get on with my life following the attack – we no longer walk down our drive as the memories of the incident remain so fresh and vivid. I’m also terrified whenever I see or hear dogs.

 “Despite the impact this has had on me, the fact that current legislation means I cannot gain justice over this makes me feel as if my voice has not been heard.

 “I am happy that steps are being taken to address some of the issues around this, but am shocked that compulsory insurance for owners has not been considered in all of this.

 “All of the measures seem so focused on holding irresponsible owners to account that the impact attacks have on victims and their need for support seem to have just been ignored. This is not good enough and more must be done.”

 Experts at Irwin Mitchell solicitors have seen a dramatic increase in the number of enquiries they have received regarding dog attacks in recent months and were contacted for advice by 14 people in June alone.

 Now, law firm is calling on the Government to bring forward plans set to be introduced in 2016.

 David Urpeth, a Partner at Irwin Mitchell who specialises in dog bite claims, said: “The terrible consequences of these attacks cannot be underestimated, whether it involves a family losing a loved one or a person who has suffered serious physical or psychological trauma after being attack.

 “The Government has not been blind to the growing number of incidents in recent years and is introducing measures such as the compulsory microchipping of all puppies, the closure of a loophole which will mean owners can be prosecuted over dog attacks on private property and consulting on new sentencing measures for owners.

 “There are still around three years to go until they come into force – yet the terrible tragedies and injuries of recent months have shown that action to tackle the dangers of these attacks is very much needed now.”

(Monmouth Today - Sept 18, 2013)