Next time these dangerous dogs could be tearing a child to pieces

Dec 11 2008 by Margaret Shaw, Hamilton Advertiser

ON Tuesday, November 25, I was walking our dog along Keir Hardie Road in Larkhall.

The dog, Glen, is a collie-cross. He is an extremely friendly and good-natured dog, who is loved by local children. He was, of course, on a lead.

Three very large mastiffs were visible in a side road. They were not restrained in any way. As they became aware of Glen, they started to approach.

I attempted to cross to the other side of the road but was unable to do so because of passing traffic. The three mastiffs then ran up and one of them made a totally unprovoked attack on Glen, causing a horrific wound close to his neck and other wounds on his leg. I also sustained bruising to my leg in the attack, not to mention being terrified and traumatised!

One of the mastiffs’ owners made a futile attempt to restrain her dog, saying “It’s just got him by the collar” – apparently oblivious to the blood! The dog had a firm grip of Glen’s neck and would not let go. Even punching the dog and hitting it with my stick would not make it let go of its grip on Glen.

Had it not been for the intervention of a taxi driver and other passers-by who bravely fought off the mastiff, I am sure my dog would have been killed. I do not know how these people managed to release its grip, but for that I’m truly grateful.

I cannot praise these people highly enough and would like to express my gratitude to them all. I don’t know who the driver of the Renault is, but I have since found out the taxi driver’s name and thanked him in person. I would like to thank the other man also. My priority at the time was to get Glen to safety.

The injuries to Glen required immediate veterinary attention, necessitating a full anaesthetic and surgery. He has been back to the vet’s at least four times in the past week to have his wounds checked and to have antibiotics and painkillers prescribed.

People who have these dangerous dogs must be held accountable. They must be forced to have them on leads and wearing muzzles at all times.

On this occasion it was our dog. The next time it could be a child. Will it take that to have these dogs destroyed? These people have three dangerous dogs and obviously cannot control them.

Name and address supplied, Larkhall.