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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Duncan Gorman

Scots owner traumatised after dog's neck ripped open by Akita in violent attack

A Scots woman has been left traumatised after an out-of-control Akita threw her dog around like a rag doll, ripping his neck open in a violent attack.

Karen Waddington was out with her Staffordshire bull terrier Buster in Hawick, Scottish Borders, last Tuesday when the incident happened.

The 47-year-old said the large white Akita came running around the corner and instantly targeted her 12-year-old pooch.

The mum-of-five watched on in horror as the aggressive dog grabbed Buster by the neck and viciously threw him around.

A neighbour then ran out of their nearby house and tried hitting the dog so it would release the other dog.

However, the relentless attack only ended when the Akita's male owner emerged on the scene. Distressing images show Buster's fur covered in blood after his neck was completely ripped open.

Another image shows Buster post-operation showing his neck stitched back together.

Karen reported the incident to Police Scotland and the SSPCA but claimed there is believed to be no investigation at this stage.

Speaking today, Karen said: "That day as normal we checked there were no dogs around whatsoever.

"As soon as I let him off the lead a huge white Akita came around the corner on an retractable lead. It happened in a flash. He was getting thrown around like a rag doll by his neck.

"He had flesh ripped out of him, it was laying on the grass. I remember saying, 'he's going to kill him, he's going to kill him'.

"I was screaming. There was blood and fur going everywhere. A neighbour came to help and was punching it but it wouldn't let go.

The wounds Buster suffered in the incident (Deadline)

"The woman whose dog it was ran to go and get her husband and didn't come back.

"Then this guy in an orange vest came around the corner and shouted at the Akita and it dropped Buster.

"After an operation he got a drain put in his shoulder to let fluid out and was on ketamine for three days.

"SSPCA will not do anything about this and the police said they couldn't do anything about it.

"What if it was a child? I am traumatised. He's such a sweet and adorable dog, I hope this won't change him."

Karen shared distressing images of Buster's injuries on Facebook last Wednesday, writing: "Caution graphic pictures, but just a wee update on Buster.

"As you can see he's the biggest softy around, then the two photos after that were right after the attack, and the last two were the ones the vet had to do.

"He has had a drain put in, extensive wounds that all connect together. The vet said he is a very lucky boy as the Akita missed all the important vessels.

"He is in agony, hasn't touched any water since but is hopefully on the mend now.

"Thank you to all who were concerned, I don't think myself or Buster will get this out of our memories."

The post has now collected hundreds of comments from viewers who were shocked by the alleged attack.

Jill Mitchell said: "Oh my god, poor wee soul. I hope he recovers soon, bless him. This makes me so angry, this is what happens when the wrong people own Akitas, it's so sad. It should never have happened, just awful."

Valerie Jubb said: "That is horrendous - an awful thing to happen and witness. I'm hoping Buster recovers - give him a gentle hug from me."

Linda Mackie, believed to have witnessed the attack, said: "It's terrible, I thought someone was being murdered."

Susan MacRae said: "My heart goes out to you both! What a frightening experience for you and your beautiful boy! I wish him and you a speedy recovery from your awful ordeal."

Speaking on Wednesday, a spokeswoman for the SSPCA said: "We don't enforce any legislation around control of dogs or dangerous dogs so this isn't something we would deal with.

"We would suggest contacting Police Scotland about this incident.

Police Scotland have been approached for comment.

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