Police appeal as dog attack leaves puppy needing two emergency operations

Bertie, a brown and white Cockalier, was attacked as he walked through Lyme and Wood Park, near the Vista Road entrance, with his owner Callum on Wednesday, October 6.

At around 2:30pm, a dog described as a "brown and orange staff cross" broke free from his owner's lead and grasp and charged at the 11-month Cockalier, who was also on a lead, biting him on the neck and stomach.

Bertie was rushed to the emergency vets for operations on his neck and stomach

Rushing Bertie for two emergency operations to punctures on his neck and stomach, the vet told Callum and his partner Julia, he was "lucky to be alive".

He also informed them there had been another attack from a dog matching the same description earlier that day.

Julia raised awareness of the incident and reported it to Police in order to warn residents of dangerous dogs in the area, and try the prevent the attack from happening again or having more serious consequences.

A Merseyside Police spokesperson said: "We can confirm that we received a report of a dog attack in Newton-le-Willows last Wednesday, 6 October.

"At around 3pm, a dog was reportedly bitten by a dog described as a ‘Staffie Cross’ on Vista Road, causing injuries to the dog’s neck, which required treatment at the vets.

"Although not a recordable crime due to the circumstances, the incident has been logged for information."

Bertie is recovering at home in Newton with his owners Callum and Julia

As it is not currently a crime for a dog to attack another dog, where the law differs from a dog attack on a person or service dog, many Star readers bemoaned there are not enough stringent measures or punishments in place to prevent this type of incident from happening again.

Many opined that while it attacked another dog this time, it could just have easily attacked a child.

Belle, another dog in the area which was similarly attacked by another dog

Community Policing Inspector Jon Smith added: “I want to make it clear that we will not tolerate irresponsible dog ownership.

“Dog owners have a responsibility to ensure their dog does is on a lead and under control.

“I would also ask anyone with information about this incident or dangerous dogs in their area to contact us so that we can take any appropriate action."

If you witnessed the incident or have any information on dangerous dogs, please contact Merseyside Police social media desk via Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook Merseyside Police Contact Centre.