Victim Barry Williams, 54, from Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, had surgery during four days in hospital and will be permanently scarred, said James Neary, prosecuting at Llandudno court.
The attack happened on June 9 outside the reception area of Palin’s holiday park at Kinmel Bay, near Rhyl.
A security man had to use a metal broom to prise the jaw of the dog named Kilo open so Mr Williams’ arm could be released.
William Robinson, 73, of Erwin Road, St Helens, Merseyside, pleaded guilty to being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control which caused injury.
Magistrates decided to send the case for sentence at Caernarfon crown court and Robinson was bailed. The probation service will prepare a report.
Mr Neary said Mr Williams had been walking his border collie called Suzie-Rose when Kilo, not on a lead, ran towards him. Mr Williams, to protect Suzie-Rose, crouched over her on all fours as the dog “charged” towards them.
“He describes it as the most painful experience of his life,” said Mr Neary. “He was absolutely terrified and thought the dog was going to kill him or his dog.”
Mr Robinson said he tried to pull the bulldog away before the security man eventually prised open the jaw.
Suffering “unbelievable pain,” Mr Williams had deep gashes on his right arm and an ambulance took him to hospital.
He could need further surgery and also skin grafts. According to a witness a bone in his arm was exposed.
Mr Neary said Robinson told police nothing like it had happened before, but admitted Kilo “did have a problem with other dogs.”
Solicitor Roger Thomas, defending, said: “He’s genuinely mortified by what has happened. There were family photographs of the dog with children and there had never been any suggestion of a previous attack.”
Surgery
Speaking to the Daily Post, Mr Williams told how the attack has affected him.
The former soldier said: “This incident has really terrified me. I spent four days in Glan Clwyd and had to have a five-hour operation after suffering four 30mm puncture wounds to my forearm.
“I had 30 external stitches as well as internal stitches to pull the muscle back together as it was shredded. I will be scarred for life and I’ve lost the feeling in my right hand and forearm."
He added: “Suzie-Rose also sustained injuries and needed veterinary treatment where the vet identified she suffered four puncture wounds to her right hind leg. She’s part of the family, there is no way I would’ve let another dog harm her.
“I’m grateful to the security guard who stepped in because i genuinely think he saved my life.”
He added: “I’ve toured Northern Ireland and the Falklands and never experienced anything like this. You just feel so helpless. I’m terrified to take my own dog out now, you just don’t know what’s around the corner.”
(Daily Post - July 26, 2016)
