Two-year-old pooch Benji mauled by a pack of dogs

UNITED KINGDOM -- TERRIFIED pet Benji needed two life-saving operations after he was mauled in an attack by a pack of dogs.

The two-year-old – a cross between a jack russell and a shih tzu – was chased by nine other dogs while out with owner Rob Redfern in Eaton Park.

Mr Redfern's other dog Molly, a four-year-old Patterdale terrier cross, evaded the animals, none of whom were on a lead.

But one Staffordshire bull terrier caught Benji's side twice, leaving him with two detached ribs.

And as he tried to free Benji, Mr Redfern suffered four puncture wounds to his cheek. He said: "The whole episode was horrendous.

"My two dogs have never harmed anyone. They're such friendly and bubbly characters and should be allowed to enjoy themselves in public."

The dogs were attacked on Monday at 6.55am while Mr Redfern was walking them in Drake Close.
Benji underwent a 90-minute operation on Tuesday at the Churnet Valley veterinary clinic.

He was back in surgery yesterday to repair the muscle, tissue and bone damage to his sides.


Mr Redfern, aged 60, of Eaton Park, said Benji will now be forced to stay at home for a few weeks.

He added: "Myself and the two dogs were just doing what we do every morning and going for a walk.
"Prior to the attack, I hadn't seen the owners or the nine dogs before, but from the moment the dogs saw us they charged very quickly.

"Two of the men managed to gain some control over the dogs after Benji was caught for the second time."

Mr Redfern said three men were with the pack of nine dogs – two of whom he said to be in their 20s with another man believed to be in his late 40s.

 

He added that the incident was out of character for the 'quiet and respectable' Eaton Park area.

A spokesman for Staffordshire Police said: "It was reported that at around 6.55am on Monday 21 April, a man was walking his two dogs off lead in Drake Closet.

"There were several other people also walking with their dogs off lead.

"One of the man's dogs was reportedly attacked by the other dogs. Somehow the man received a small scratch to his face but it is not clear how this happened.

"The man was not able to describe any of the people and from the information given there were no offences committed."

(Stoke Sentinel - Apr 26, 2014)