Two women savaged by pet dog as they tried to protect child
ONE SUFFERED ‘LIFE-CHANGING INJURIES’ IN ATTACK, SAY POLICE
NEIGHBOURS in a Bilborough street have been left in shock after a woman was seriously injured by her own pet dog.
The horrifying attack occurred at a house in Hoylake Crescent in the early hours of Sunday.
Police say they believe two women were protecting a child the dog had turned on and they were both repeatedly bitten in the face, arms and stomach.
The dog was stabbed with a kitchen knife by another resident of the house in a desperate attempt to stop it.
Both women were taken by ambulance to hospital and one of them has suffered “lifechanging injuries”, according to police.
An emergency vet attended and the injured dog was put down. It is not believed that the animal was a banned breed.
A shocked neighbour told the Post that the dog had seemed “friendly”.
Laura Risden, who has lived in Holyake Crescent for 22 years, said: “I didn’t see anything, but my sister came round to tell me there had been a dog attack on the street.
“I was shocked. I’ve never heard of anything like this happening since I’ve lived here.”
David Earnshaw, who has lived on the street for more than 25 years, told the Post: “My daughter texted me this morning to tell me it happened a few houses from me – but I didn’t hear anything at the time. “Any sort of dog attack is pretty shocking.” One neighbour, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “I saw the police and the ambulance, but I didn’t hear anything when it happened. It was around midnight I think so I was still asleep.
“It was a real surprise. I always saw this dog in the backyard playing with the family,
with a child, it seemed friendly.
“I saw it all the time. But I don’t know my neighbours that well, so I don’t know the full story.”
Police say the “devastating” attack could have been far worse and this should be a reminder to always be careful with pets around children.
Detective Inspector Jon Kerry, of Nottinghamshire’s criminal investigation department, said: “This was an incredibly distressing incident for everyone involved and we are making enquiries to establish how and why it happened.
“It’s devastating that a woman has suffered such serious injuries caused by her own pet, but we can only be grateful that it didn’t result in far worse consequences had the animal been able to attack the child.
“Although we don’t believe that the animal was a banned breed, this is a stark reminder to all pet owners not to take any chances with animals around children, particularly if they have ever displayed violent tendencies.”