A mum bravely fought off a would-be dognapper who tried to steal her puppy as she walked through a park with her young son.
Mum-of one Leah Walker, 23, was left with scratches across her neck and chest after resisting the thief who swiped at her Irish bullterrier's lead in Oakwell Hall County Park in Birstall, Yorkshire on Tuesday.
Leah, who was walking with her 18-month-old son during the incident, recalled the woman complimenting their puppy as she approached.
Leah replied politely, but secretly hoped the woman "would go on her way".
"But she said it again, this time while trying to shake my left arm to get the lead. She wasn’t interested in my little boy, just my pup,' Leah told Yorkshire Live.
"I was able to defend myself using the chain lead wrapped around my left wrist which resulted in her scratching my chest and face."
The dognapper fled the park after Leah bravely stood up to her.
Leah's son was shaken up by the botched robbery, she told Yorkshire Live, adding she made sure to put on a brave face so he didn't get scared. .
She said: "Once she realised I was able to retaliate I think that shook her enough for her to leave us be.
"I didn’t show any fear. I couldn’t as I wasn’t just Leah, I was a mum too.
"Once it all happened my only concern was informing someone and getting everyone home and safe. Luckily I only live a few minutes up the road. I was scared but again, more concerned about my son and pup."
The thief was dressed in a Reebok jacket, Adidas trousers, and white trainers covered in mud, Leah said. She was 5'5, wearing her blonde hair in a bun, and in her late twenties.
The incident has been reported to the police.
