Shropshire Star

River bailiff, 70, injured in Shrewsbury dog attack

A Shrewsbury pensioner was attacked by a dog as he walked along a riverbank, prompting warnings from river bailiffs.

Published

The 70-year-old was walking along the riverbank close to Emstrey Fishery in his capacity as a river bailiff when he heard voices by the water. When he went to investigate, a large unmuzzled labrador leapt at him.

The man put his arm up to protect his face and the dog bit him, causing a wound which required 17 stitches and 14 butterfly stitches.

As a result of the incident, which took place on the Kingfisher Walk in Shrewsbury earlier this month, the dog was immediately put down.

The river bailiff, who wanted to remain anonymous, said: "My main concern was that the dog lived within 80 yards of the footpath. I have seen children walking along there and it is horrific to imagine that they could have been attacked by this dog.

"It could have got out of the garden and made its way to the riverbank."

John Roberts, chief river bailiff, said: "It was a very sad and nasty affair. The river bailiff was not just bitten, he was savaged. The dog bit him down to the bone and took a huge chunk of flesh too. He is still undergoing treatment as doctors have been removing infected skin and he is due to see a consultant in two weeks time.

"The bailiff was on Kingfisher Walk when he heard voices. He went to see if anyone was fishing on the peg and was met by two men, who were not fishing, and two dogs. One was on the lead and the other wasn't.

"The one which was off the lead also didn't have a muzzle on and as soon as the bailiff came into view it came flying up the bank.

"The Kingfisher Walk is very popular with families with children as well as with cyclists and runners. It could have been much, much worse. Luckily the bailiff, although being a pensioner, was able to stay on his feet. If he had fallen to the ground or not been quick enough to put up his arm, it could have been a much more serious situation.

"As it is he is still undergoing treatment for his wound. He had to have a number of stitches and the wound is still healing. Police and ambulance were involved which resulted in the dog being destroyed on the same day.

"We are pleased with the prompt actions of the police in this matter. The change in the Dangerous Dog Act earlier this year should have led to this dog being muzzled and on a lead."

Under the Dangerous Dogs Act, it's against the law to let a dog be dangerously out of control anywhere, including in a public place, in a private place, for example in a neighbour's house or garden in the owner's home. The law applies to all dogs.

Owners can get an unlimited fine or be sent to prison for up to six months, or both, if their dog is dangerously out of control. They may not be allowed to own a dog in the future and the dog may be destroyed.

If an owner lets their dog injure someone they can be sent to prison for up to five years or fined, or both.

If they deliberately use the dog to injure someone they could be charged with "malicious wounding".

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