Ilkeston man’s attack dogs ordeal
An Ilkeston dog-lover thanked two women who intervened as one of his Collie dogs was attacked after being chased by two Akitas.
The frightened animal was being chased towards Merlin’s Way by two of the dogs when the passing motorists stopped and intervened.
Mr Alton had been walking three-and-half-year-old sisters Meg and Jess on waste land to the side of a pond near Merlin’s Way on December 27 when four of the large animals came running towards them.
“Meggie went round the back of me and I used my umbrella to fend them off,” said Mr Alton.
“The other two ran after my other Collie, Jess, so I took a guess that she had headed for home and ran that way.
“The two ladies said the dogs were biting my dog around the back end. You can see bite marks on its back and its inside lip.”
Mr Alton, 59, of Corporation Road, said the four Akitas had been accompanied by a couple who disappeared after collecting their dogs from the scene of the attack.
He added: “We have been lucky this time - the dogs are still with me but in another situation I may not have my dogs any more.
“It was very frightening because I did not know what to do. Collies are quite timid creatures - they bark a lot but they are not aggressive.
“I feel responsible because I could not do anything. I feel sorry for Jess - people tell me they can become quite confrontational after an attack but we will have to wait and see.”
The Ilkeston man said he was alarmed that the dogs had not been on leads and felt their owners should be in control of them.
He added: “I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to the people who intervened and hope they were not upset by the trauma themselves.”
A spokesman from Erewash Borough Council said: “We are aware of this incident and would appeal to the owners of the Akitas, or anyone who has information, to get in touch with us as soon as possible on 0115 907 2244.”
Ted Bishop, Erewash councillor for West Hallam, said: “Responsible dog owners of that breed or any other should keep them on a lead.
“That area is a public highway - if it was residential it could have been worse. I have had dogs all my life and always kept them on a lead.
“If a dog is well trained it should respond to its owners.”
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Weather for Ilkeston
Wednesday 19 June 2013
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 13 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 13 C to 18 C
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