Owner tells of 'carnage' as labrador attacked by loose dog in Caldicot (From South Wales Argus)

Owner tells of 'carnage' as labrador attacked by loose dog in Caldicot

7:00am Saturday 23rd February 2013 in News

A LABRADOR had its foot savaged by another dog in Caldicot town centre.

Nine-year-old Woody was on his usual twice daily walk with owner Bernard Williams, when the dog ran across to the pair at speed.

Grandfather of five Mr Williams, 69, said it lurched forward and grabbed hold of his pet’s paw, as he tried to pull him away, but the dog would not let go.

Two of Mr Williams’ friends, who were luckily in the area near Lloyds Bank, ran over and punched the dog to try and free its grip.

The men eventually fought it off, but two of them were bitten during the incident on February 6.

“It was very frightening. Carnage,” said Mr Williams.

Shopkeepers rushed to the Woody’s aid, who was bleeding heavily, and wrapped his foot in a tea towel.

A woman who runs Bargain Booze took him and his owner to Chepstow Veterinary Centre, where he was taken into surgery for over an hour, as a vet battled to repair the foot.

Stella Hitchens, who carried out the operation, said: “He was badly mauled on his right front foot and he needed quite a lot of stitches. One of his toes was partially dislocated.”

The foot was bandaged and Woody, who is named after the character in hit film Toy Story, was prescribed antibiotics.

However, his owner is facing a bill of around £1,000 and the dog’s woes are not over, as he may need another operation because part of the foot has not healed properly.

The much-loved dog is also missing his walks, as the injury forces him to recuperate inside.

“He’s not a young dog and he was in so much pain.

Hopefully he will make a full recovery,” Mr Williams said, adding: “Everyone has been absolutely brilliant, asking me how he is.”

Mr Williams and another man had to have Tetanus injections.

● A 42-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possessing a dog dangerously out of control in a public place following the attack, while the animal is currently in Gwent Police kennels while its breed is established.

The man was bailed pending further enquiries and the investigation is ongoing, a force spokeswoman said.