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Daily Record
Daily Record
World
Jessica Sykes & Chloe Burrell

Teen girl bitten by dog while trying to protect pup amid worrying rise in attacks

Police have issued an urgent warning to dog owners after a worrying rise in attacks.

During one incident, a 17-year-old girl was bitten as a dog gripped on to her while she was trying to protect her pup.

Only days later, a man was subjected to a terrifying attack by a dog as he attempted to wrestle a Newfoundland breed off his terrier.

The shocking attacks have been on the rise, with officers now urging that owners keep their dogs on the lead to protect residents out and about, reports Gloucestershire Live.

In a statement issued by Gloucestershire Constabulary, officers are encouraging owners to be responsible and in control of their pets.

It states: "In the past month officers in the Cotswolds have dealt with a number of dangerous incidents.

"The majority of these have happened with dogs which have been off lead and not under the control of their owner, with dogs which were on a lead being attacked.

"On 6 June a 17-year-old girl was bitten by a dog that was off the lead while she was trying to protect her own dog in Westonbirt.

"She attended hospital where her wounds were cleaned.

"At around 7.30am on 14 June a man was walking his small terrier dog in Bourton-on-the-Water on the lead when a couple in their late 60s to early 70s approached with two Newfoundland dogs both off the lead.

"One of the Newfoundlands attacked the man's terrier, biting it so severely it required emergency surgery immediately.

"The terrier’s owner was bitten when trying to protect his pet.

"On 19 June while walking along the Cotswold Way an Alsatian type dog, which was off the lead, attacked another dog walking and left it with bite marks and a torn ear."

Dog owners are being warned to follow good dog owner etiquette to keep their own dogs and others safe.

PCSO John Allen said: "It is so important to keep your dog under control at all times when out walking.

"Dog attacks can easily be fatal and can cause serious injuries to owners too.

"No matter how much you trust your dog, we would advise that you keep it on a lead when around other dogs to prevent any more of these dangerous incidents.

"Let all dogs lead a nice life by keeping your dog on lead."

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