Woman and her dog suffer horrific injuries after being savaged by 'Staffy-type' animal while out on walk

UNITED KINGDOM -- A woman and her dog suffered horrific injuries when they were savaged by a ‘Staffy-type’ dog.

The victim and her pet Jake were mauled by the ‘muscular’ animal during a walk on grassland in Rochdale on Monday afternoon.

It tore open Jake’s neck, sunk its teeth into his owner’s hand and broke her wrist during the mauling, at around 3.30pm.

The attack came on a patch of grassland known as Lenny Barn, near Falinge Park High School and the Spodden Valley.

Police have now launched an appeal for witnesses to trace the vicious animal - believed to be called ‘Chico’ or a similar name - and its owner.

Officers posted a photo of the injured dog, along with the owner’s broken wrist, on GMP Rochdale’s Facebook page.

They added the message: “This is Jake, on Monday 24th November around 3:30pm he was enjoying a nice long walk with his owner. They were out on Lenny Barn, which some of you may not know is the grassed area between Spodden Valley, Haslam Street, Falinge Road and Falinge School.

“Whilst out playing an unknown Staffordshire Terrier described as really muscly and brindle looking has also been on Lenny Barn with his owner, who is described as possibly Eastern European looking.

“This staffy type dog has then run over to Jake, grabbing him by his neck at the rear and has dragged Jake around in a vicious unprovoked attack causing a number of injuries.

“As you can see by our picture he has suffered considerably and has had to have several trips to the vets for medical treatment.

“Jake’s owner has also suffered injuries including bruising, numerous puncture wounds and even a fractured bone in her wrist which you can also see in the picture is being treated medically.

“Jake’s owner is currently off work as she is unable to carry out her duties in a hospital, helping other people, due to having open wounds in her hands.

“Jake was said to be a lively dog energetic dog that the family have acquired through a rescue home however after this attack he is understandably shocked and a little withdrawn now which is upsetting for the family to see.”

Anyone with information should ring Rochdale Police on 0161 856 9961 and quote crime reference number 184577S/14.

(Manchester Evening News - Nov 28, 2014)