A DOG walker has spent five days in hospital and undergone three operations after she tried to rescue her pet from a Staffordshire bull terrier.
Lynda Thomson’s fingers were badly mangled as she tried to prise her Yorkshire terrier from the jaws of the attacking dog.
Lynda, 65, from Dalkeith, Midlothian, has so far needed three emergency operations on her fingers to try to repair damaged nerves and tendons.
Her dog, Poppy, three, needed life-saving surgery on her neck following the attack in the town’s Kings Park last Friday afternoon.
Police are appealing for information about the incident, in which Poppy was thrown around “like a rag doll”.
Lynda’s niece, Lisa Mccartney, shared photos of the injuries suffered by Poppy and her Aunt on social media, writing: “Poppy is lucky to be alive. My auntie has now had operations by the plastic surgeons to repair her two hands.
“Please can everyone take a minute to share this as we are still on the hunt for this vicious dog and owner.”
The photos show her aunt’s bandaged hands following the emergency surgery, as well as the massive scar on Poppy’s neck.
Speaking today about the attack, Lisa said: “Poppy was on an extendable lead when she was out with my auntie in the park.
“Then this other dog came racing across, a long-legged blue staffy, not on a leash. The dog got Poppy in its mouth and started throwing her around like a rag doll.
“My auntie reached down and tried to get Poppy out of the other dog’s mouth but it was only when a workie came across that they were able to eventually wrestle Poppy free.
“The other dog then ran back to the woman it was with as she stood there doing nothing.”
She continued: “My auntie then rushed Poppy to the vet and then once she was in there she rushed to Morrisons where the first aider stopped the blood from her bleeding fingers. They were pouring with blood.
“She was then taken to the Royal Infirmary where they discovered nerve and tendon issues.
“She had an operation there with the plastic surgeon and is now in St. John’s where she’s had two more reconstructive surgeries.
“She might get out on tonight but there is a bit of an infection so they’re keeping an eye on that.
“She’s been left distraught by it all. Poppy is her little baby and she finds it really difficult to talk about. She breaks down in tears when she discusses it.”
A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: “Police in Midlothian are currently investigating after an American Pit Bull terrier-type dog attacked a Yorkshire Terrier around 3.30pm on Friday 2 June in the Kings Park area of Dalkeith.
“A 65-year-old woman sustained serious injuries to her hands during the incident and attended St John’s Hospital in Livingston.
“The terrier required emergency veterinary treatment for serious injuries to its neck.
Police described the attacking dog as female, silver/grey in colour, with pale eyes, a strong build, around 2.5ft tall standing and was wearing a fabric collar.
“Anyone who may have witnessed the attack, or recognises the description of the dog, is urged to get in touch as soon as possible. Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 2432 of 2 June 2017, or report this anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Scottish SPCA Deputy Chief Superintendent Tom Gatherer said, “We are very sorry to hear of this incident, which must have been extremely distressing for the dog and its owners.
“Every year we deal with a wide range of animals which have either been injured or killed by dogs who have been allowed to run loose.
“This attack highlights the importance of owners keeping their dogs under control at all times.
“Anyone with information on this incident should contact Police Scotland as soon as possible.”
