Dog attacks: Laws must change says the owner of mauled small dog

The owner of a dog who was “lucky to be alive” after being mauled in an attack said people have to change their attitude about keeping pets on leads.

Giles Lewis said Yuki, a Pomeranian-Japanese Spitz cross, was shaken “from side to side like a little toy” by a loose lurcher-type dog.

“I had her in my arms, she was still screaming, there was blood everywhere, and I had to flee because the dog was completely out of control,” the 43-year-old from Newport said who is now facing veterinary bills of about £20,000.

Gwent Police said officers were trying to identify the owner of the lurcher, who was also walking a boxer-type dog on the night of the attack.

Mr Lewis told BBC Radio Wales Breakfast he had to wrestle six-year-old Suki out of the attacking dog’s jaws, when the attack took place at about 19:10 GMT on 6 February on Risca Road

“The owner was nowhere nearby and taking no responsibility.

“It was a horrific situation.”

Yuki was rushed to a veterinary hospital with large wounds on her side and belly.

She was not expected to survive, but after two weeks in intensive care and surgery on Monday, Mr Lewis said he and his partner’s “baby” was expected to make it.

“She’s a brave little girl, she’s pulled through,” he said.

“She has a long road in front of her in terms of recovery.

“She’ll always have a huge scar and she may not get her beautiful fur back, which is sad, but at least she will live.”

“The law needs to change,” he said.

Too many people now own dogs they are unable to train or control, he claimed.

“The laissez faire attitude to having the dog on a lead in public here is creating a situation where there are more and more of these dog-on-dog attacks and dog-on-human attacks.

“It’s not acceptable in a civilised society.

Gwent police said the lurcher-type dog was being walked by a woman with long dark hair, and wearing a long red or orange coat.

Officers asked anyone with information that could help the investigation to get in touch.