A woman in Ramsbury, Wiltshire, was left needing hospital treatment after being attacked by a dog just 50 meters from her home. The incident occurred as Pat Pope, the victim, was taking a shortcut through a park near her house when the dog attacked her unexpectedly.
Details of the Attack:
Mrs. Pope described how the dog, which had previously been involved in less severe incidents, attacked her “in seconds,” biting her all over her body. Despite the owner attempting to put a leash on the animal, the dog resisted and quickly turned aggressive. Pope recalled that the owner reassured her by saying, “don’t worry because you’re a woman, it won’t harm you,” but the dog proceeded to bite her, leaving her with numerous injuries.
Despite the violent attack, Pope managed to get through a gate, where she turned to confront the owner. However, the individual did not provide their name, instead apologizing repeatedly. Pope, despite the severity of her injuries, felt the need to rush home and began treating her wounds with the help of her husband.
Injuries and Medical Treatment:
Pope sustained significant injuries, including a large wound on her arm that exposed the bone and deep puncture wounds on her legs, arms, and hands. Though she did not initially feel pain due to adrenaline, she later sought medical attention, and her wounds were cleaned and wrapped as she made her way to the hospital.
Pictures of the injuries, some too graphic for publication, show the extent of the damage. Pope will be consulting with a specialist soon to determine if any further treatment is necessary.
Background and Investigation:
Wiltshire Police have confirmed that the dog was seized the day after the attack and is now in police kennels. Authorities are working closely with Mrs. Pope and her family, offering support and updates on the ongoing investigation. The dog’s owner had previously been required to complete a responsible dog ownership course due to earlier incidents involving the animal.
The police have expressed their sympathy and frustration with the situation, emphasizing the importance of providing Mrs. Pope with the necessary support. Inspector Simon Garrett stated, “We appreciate the victim’s frustration following this horrendous ordeal for her.”
The incident, which was reported by both the dog’s owner and Mrs. Pope, has sparked concern in the local community. Pope, reflecting on the attack, noted that if the victim had been younger, the consequences could have been even more severe. She thanked the community for their support during this difficult time.
This incident highlights the ongoing concerns surrounding dog attacks and the importance of responsible pet ownership, especially in light of prior warnings and incidents involving the same dog.
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