A young Nantwich woman has appealed for help to trace a dog and its owner after she was attacked and injured near Barony Park.
The incident happened as the 19-year-old victim was walking towards Highfield Drive at about 12.30pm yesterday (Good Friday).
She was attacked by an out-of-control dog which latched on to her leg, causing nasty puncture bite wounds (pictured).
Cheshire Police have been informed and are investigating the incident.
The victim, who we agreed not to identify, told Nantwich News: “I was walking, talking to my mum on the phone on way to my boyfriend’s house from work and just saw a dog standing in the middle of the road.
“Within about 10 seconds of him standing, he then pounced towards me latching onto the back of my calf.
“I was trying to get away as he was still attached and ended up running in circles trying to get away from it as he kept jumping at me and towards my body and face.
“It ended up getting distracted and I was able to get hold of my mum again and get to my boyfriend’s house without the dog following me.
“My dad quickly called the police. I told my boyfriend what happened and within about two minutes of the attack, the dog was no where to be seen when he went out to look.
“I was absolutely petrified. I have never seen this dog before, neither have the neighbours in the local area.”
She described the dog as a Jack Russell-type, medium-sized, white with brown spots, and a red collar.
“I tried shouting for attention, seeing if anyone at all could help me,” she added.
“I just don’t want anyone else getting hurt, or anyone going through the sort of trauma I’m dealing with after the attack.
“Since it’s still loose, I want safety for the public. I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy.”
“Luckily, I was wearing two layers. It would’ve been worse if I wasn’t.”
A police spokesperson said: “At 12:41hrs on Friday 3 April, Cheshire Police received a 999 call reporting that a 19yr old female had been bitten by a stray dog on Highfield Drive, near Barony Park in Nantwich.
“A specialist dog unit was deployed immediately to conduct a thorough search of the area; however, no dog matching the description was located at that time.
“Following further enquiries, officers from the Nantwich Beat Team have since identified the owner of the dog involved and have made direct contact with both the owner and the victim’s family. The investigation remains ongoing.
“We would like to take this opportunity to remind all dog owners of their responsibility to ensure their animals are kept under control at all times.
“If dogs are left unsupervised in gardens, owners must ensure that boundaries are secure and that their dog cannot leave the property.
“The Nantwich Beat Team investigates all offences involving dogs dangerously out of control.
“We encourage members of the public to continue reporting incidents of this nature so that appropriate action can be taken to keep our communities safe.
“Anyone with further information related to this incident is asked to contact Cheshire Police via 101 or through our online reporting channels quoting reference number – 26000262916.”
That is deplorable, the dog should have a collar on by law, but if it escaped even that is no excuse. Check your garden I have my dogs lead attached to my belt that way if he is spooked I am with him, he is not shooting across roads and risking injury to others or him
this is so selfish if a thick owner feels it is ok to let the dog run in a public place free, when there are places to go fenced in
last year a loose dog shot through a hedge and the owner was miles behind, no recall skill, and the dog then jumped on a terrier who was on a lead and his jaws locked in, i hit it with my stick but it wasn’t released till another bloke arrived to wrench open its jaw. It took ages and the terrier was badly mauled
that could have been fatal if it was a toddler, That dog should be shot
too much of this happening, was the mutt off lead or had it escaped, there are too many problems with dogs now, it come to something a young person cannot walk in the park without this happening, it happened to me, an off lead dog, in Brookfield what if it was a young child beggars belief, too many dogs in Nantwich now, disgusting behavior, I never walk now without a stick and I will whack a dog if they tries this on for sure, no problem!!