Probe launched after dog attacks teenager

Caitlin Agnew who has learning difficulties, was attacked by the Staffie cross while at a house in Dens Road.

Her grandmother Carol Kilburn, 53, said Caitlin had been watching TV when the dog jumped up and tore at her lip.

Caitlin was left with injuries to her face and required surgery.

Since the attack, the youngster has been unable to eat without using a straw and Carol fears that she will be scarred for life as a result of the attack.

Carol said: “Caitlin went forward to look at the TV and the dog bit her right on the mouth.

“The owner saw the blood and took the dog into a different room. Caitlin was screaming her head off — her whole body was shaking.

“We took her to Ninewells Hospital and they cleaned it up and gave her antibiotics.

“She had to go back the next day and she had an operation. They had to stitch the inside and outside of her mouth. She was kept in the hospital.

“The police came to speak to us about what happened but they haven’t taken the dog away.

“Caitlin is in so much pain because of this. We went out for a walk and when she saw dogs going around, she started crying. She freezes when she sees a dog.

“I think this will have a lasting affect on her. I’m so angry about this.

“The police should have taken the dog away. What if next time it attacks a small child?”

Dog owner Gary Rowan, 27, said the incident was totally “out of character” for his pet, adding: “The dog has been in Caitlin’s company loads of times and nothing has happened. There was another female dog in the property at the time and we think that has played a factor in what happened.

“I was shocked and quickly pulled our dog away.

“Our dog was attacked last year — someone came into the flat drunk and lashed out at her.

“We didn’t expect anything like this to happen when Caitlin was in the house.”

A police spokesman said: “Police Scotland can confirm it is dealing with a report of a 17-year-old female having been bitten by a dog and injured. Police are currently liaising with the local authority and Scottish SPCA regarding the matter.”

A Dundee City Council spokeswoman said: “We are currently undertaking a joint investigation with Police Scotland.”

POLICE have launched an investigation after a 17-yearold girl was attacked by a dog.

Police have launched an investigation after 17-year-old Caitlin Agnew was attacked by a dog.

Caitlin was attacked by a Staffie cross, similar to the one above.