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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
World
Olivia Devereux-Evans

Woman and her golden retriever puppy 'traumatised' after 'Staffordshire bull terrier' attack at park

A woman and her puppy were 'attacked by a Staffordshire bull terrier'.

Vanessa Tam, 33, was walking her four-month old golden retriever puppy Simba at around 6.30am on Wednesday in Alexandra Park in Whalley Range when the animal - which she says wasn't on a lead - 'came out of nowhere'.

It knocked her dog over, before biting its stomach.

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Vanessa tried to prise the dog off, but it was too strong and kept biting.

When she eventually forced the animal to let go, it latched onto her.

Vanessa suffered puncture wounds to her hand.

She said she screamed for help, before another dog walker and a jogger rushed to her.

Alexandra Park, Whalley Range (Dominic Salter)

Vanessa said the pair told her they recognised the dog and said it is often in the park. When the owner of the dog appeared, Vanessa claims they said the attack was not their fault.

Vanessa said: "I am just traumatised.

"The dog was so strong. He dragged me onto the ground. When the owner came, they grabbed hold of the dog and told me to let go. I was holding onto the collar because I was in a lot of shock.

"Within five minutes, they returned to the park with the same dog not on a lead. We were not that far away. They did not have the courtesy to say sorry and were walking as if nothing happened.

"The dog was just so aggressive. I had to take my puppy straight to the vet."

Vanessa said Simba had to be sedated to have stitches.

"I went to the A&E," she added.

"My right hand is all swollen and I have got multiple puncture wounds. I have got shooting pains and the doctor said it could be nerve damage.

"It happened so quickly. People need to be aware. Owners should be held responsible for what action their dogs take.

"My puppy has been having nightmares and screaming in his sleep.

"I am the same. I did not think we would both be affected so much mentally and emotionally, as well as physically. It really upset me knowing the people who did this do not even care."

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: "At 12.43pm on Wednesday (4 August) police were called with a report of a dog attack on Alexandra Road South, Manchester.

"Enquiries established that a dog had ran across to another dog that was on a lead and had bitten both the dog and its owner."

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