Woman’s plea to pet owners after dog attack

Ashleigh Sheard suffered injuries to her hand trying to drag the animal off her pet Japanese Akita Harley, when he was attacked on Sunday afternoon. Miss Sheard, 24, was walking her pet along Woodend Road in Lower Hopton when she heard a group of girls shouting at each other to pick up their own pet dog off the ground.

She said: “I turned round and saw this Staffie thundering towards us. Harley is far too big for me to lift so I couldn’t do the same, and before I knew it, the Staffie had him by his neck.”

A group of people helped Miss Sheard to get the animal off Harley, but not before serious injuries were sustained.

Miss Sheard, of Marshall Street, said: “The dog’s jaws were locked around Harley’s leg at one point, and hanging on. It was very scary.

“If it wasn’t for the people who helped I can only imagine what would have happened. It bit Harley all over.”

Harley suffered deep bites to his legs and is now on a cocktail of medication form the vet.

Miss Sheard’s own puncture wounds required treatment at Dewsbury and District Hospital.

She now wants to warn other dog owners to keep their pets on a lead when out in public,

She said: “Harley is a big dog, and even though he’s so soft, I’d never take him out off a lead. He’s usually playful and loves going on walks but now he won’t leave the house.

“We were lucky that we were able to stop the attack before any more damage happened. A smaller dog would’ve been ripped to pieces.

“I would urge any dog owners to keep their dogs on a lead.”

A spokesman for the RSPCA echoed her thoughts.

He said: “The majority of dog owners are very aware but we would support the suggestion of owners keeping their dogs under control at all times.”

A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said officers had been in touch with Miss Sheard and enquiries were ongoing.

Miss Sheard is now trying to find the people who helped her to thank them. If you were there, contact her via the Reporter by emailing [email protected]. Anyone who witnessed the incident should contact police on 101.