(Aug 2016) United Kingdom: "I thought I was going to die," says taxi driver mauled by pit bulls

UNITED KINGDOM -- A TAXI driver was almost savaged to death by two pit bull-type dogs that launched an attack as he filled up his car with petrol.

Amir Hijazi, 31, desperately tried to push one dog away as it bit his foot at the pump – but the other dog suddenly leapt on his chest and knocked him over.

“It was literally on my face,” he said.

“I just tried to avoid him by pushing him away with my right hand.

“The owner was trying to pull them away but couldn’t, there was nobody to help me – at that moment I felt like I was going to die.

“At that point, these two guys came out from the shop and dragged the dogs off.”

“I took my shoe off and it was full of blood, and my foot was covered. I was wearing quite high boots and it still managed to bite right through them.”

Amir was rushed to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary after the attack at the Torq station on Great Northern Road.

Medics think he may have fractured his wrist – and say he will have to go back to hospital for X-rays and further treatment.

He has not been able to work since last Saturday’s incident and admits he is still shaken by the terrifying ordeal.

Amir added: “I’m a very dog-friendly person. I did not have any clue that this was going to happen. I just worry that these people are still out there and they can’t control their dogs.”

He has contacted the police but has not been given an opportunity to give a formal statement yet.

Police said they had previously made efforts to contact Mr Hijazi and were now making arrangements to take his statement.

A spokeswoman said: “Police have been made aware of an incident in the early hours of Saturday morning at Great Northern Road in Aberdeen, and inquiries into the matter are ongoing.

“Efforts have been made by officers to make contact with the complainer and arrangements are currently being made to take a formal statement.

The Scottish SPCA said it was vital dog owners kept their animals under control.

The charity’s chief superintendent Mike Flynn said, “We are sorry to hear of this incident which must have been extremely distressing. It is ultimately the responsibility of the owner to ensure their pet is kept under control at all times.

“Anyone with an animal that shows aggression towards another animal or person has a responsibility to rectify this problem immediately through training or veterinary advice.”

(Sun UK - August 17, 2016)