Lucky to be alive

TWO out of control Bull Mastiffs almost killed this adorable rescue dog in front of his terrified owner.

The horrific incident happened on a recent Saturday evening on a popular coastal stretch of the Northside.

The vicious dogs – which are a restricted breed under legislation – were off their leads and not muzzled at the time.

The shocking attack occurred in broad daylight, at approximately 5pm on April 18, in Baldoyle Village, on the rocky beach behind St Peter and Paul’s Church.

Local resident Karen Meenan had just collected her 11-year-old son and his friend from an activity in the village when she decided to bring her beloved collie, Milo, down onto the beach.

“The boys had asked if they could go on home ahead of me so I decided to let Milo onto the beach as the tide was out and he loves to run into the sea,

? Karen recalls.

“I suddenly realised there were two very large Bull Mastiff dogs – one grey and one brown – off their leads and without muzzles. Before I could do anything they both attacked Milo, grabbing him by the throat and flipping him around violently in the air.

“I was screaming my head off, to such an extent that passers-by started to look over the wall to see what was happening. The owner of the Bull Mastiff dogs struggled to bring them under control before eventually getting them back on their leads.

“The attack lasted around five minutes, but it seemed longer. The dogs’ owner quickly fled the scene, leaving Milo lying in a pool of blood and sludge. I honestly thought he was dead – I couldn’t believe what had just happened.

?

After cleaning him, Karen brought Milo to the vet where his injuries required stitches. A drainage system also had to be inserted into his neck to clear any infection. So far, the incident has cost her

?¬183 in vet fees.

Thankfully, Milo is now recovering well but Karen remains traumatised by the frightening episode. She has reported the matter to gardaí who are interested in identifying the owner of the Bull Mastiffs involved.

“What would have happened if these dogs had attacked a small child?

? Karen added.

Under the Control of Dogs Regulations, Bull Mastiffs fall into the category of

‘restricted breeds’, which means they are subjected to additional rules. According to the DSPCA website, such dogs (or strains and crosses of them) must be kept on a short, strong lead by a person over 16 who is capable of controlling them. They must be muzzled whenever they are in a public place. In addition, they must wear a collar bearing the name and address of their owner.