Family in fear after dog attack

A FAMILY has been left living in fear following a “vicious” dog attack that has left their young daughter scarred for life.

Tracey Lindsay told The Courier that she was left “in tears” when seven-year-old Kayla arrived home with deep wounds and bite marks.

The youngster had been playing at a park just yards from her North Muirton home when she approached the dog, which had been tied up outside the shops on Argyll Road.

Ms Lindsay said: “Another lady had been there stroking the dog quite happily, so Kayla felt confident enough to join her.

“For some reason though, it turned round and attacked her.

“She told me that the owner walked out of the shop and just walked away with the dog.

“Apparently, he did say sorry, but he just left her lying there bleeding.”

Despite her horrific injuries, which include a large gash on her left arm and teeth marks and scrapes on the right side of her neck and shoulder, Kayla was able to calmly make her way home.

In fact, Ms Lindsay revealed that she and her husband Grant had been far more upset by the incident than their daughter.

“She was so brave and there were no tears,” she said.

“I was in tears when I saw her and she kept saying to me ‘it’s okay Mummy, don’t cry’.

“I called my dad and he came round straight away to take Kayla up to the hospital to get her checked out.

“I could barely stand because I was just in a complete state of shock.

“It was a huge relief when we saw that the dog hadn’t managed to get hold of her face because it could have done some real damage.”

After spending five hours at Perth Royal Infirmary, she received eight stitches in her arm and has been told that it will leave a scar.

The youngster was able to return to school the day after the attack, although her injuries have meant that she is not able to take part in PE lessons for several weeks.

While Ms Lindsay is fearful that the dog, which she said walks past their Iona Court flat every day, could strike again, Kayla remains upbeat.

“I have spoken to the owner but he just shrugged and said he was sorry, so I’m keeping a closer eye on Kayla when she’s outside.”

A police spokeswoman said: “Tayside Police confirm they attended an incident at Argyll Road, Perth.

“Officers are making inquiries into the full set of circumstances.”