Dog attacks pensioner (From Gazette Series)

Dog attacks pensioner

A PENSIONER from Cam has been left scarred following a savage attack by a Rottweiler dog.

Robert Bryant, of Lambsdowne, was walking along Castle Street in Dursley earlier this month when the dog, which was not muzzled, viciously attacked him.

Now recovering at home, Mr Bryant realises how lucky he was after being told by doctors that the dog's teeth narrowly missed muscles in his arm. Mr Bryant, 77, had to go to hospital and have stitches in his left arm, after the attack which left him severely shaken.

He told the Gazette this week: "I usually go down Parsonage Street. I don't know why I didn't this time but I was just walking down past the bus stop and the dog pounced."

Mr Bryant was on his way to Dursley Post Office but he ended up spending several hours in various medical centres awaiting treatment to his arm.

Mr Bryant said: "First I went to May Lane Surgery but the staff took one look at me and told me to go straight to Stroud Accident and Emergency. There, they said they couldn't deal with it so they rang Gloucester Royal Hospital.

"I was eventually stitched up and put on antibiotics."

Doctors later told Mr Bryant the bite had only just missed the muscle.

He is now appealing for the female owner of the dog to buy the animal a muzzle. He said the dog was on a lead but because his arm was pouring with blood he did not stop to find out the owner's name.

"In my opinion that woman's dog should have a muzzle at least, if not be destroyed if it does it again," he said.

Mr Bryant found the experience quite an ordeal and despite being a dog owner himself, he admits he is now apprehensive of other people's muts.

He said: "A short while afterwards I went to the surgery to get my stitches checked and when I came out there was a guy with a dog and I got a bit nervous I must say.

"I've got two dogs myself but people should be responsible when they own an animal.

"I was very lucky - I dread to think what might have been if the dog had gone for a small child."

Are you the owner of the said Rottweiler or did you witness the attack in Castle Street? Contact the Gazette on 01453 544000.