Families speak of devastation in the face of increasing number of dog attacks

Families described their despair at the increase in dog attacks.

Across the Southwest, property owners are now demanding more be done.

Julie Chatzimargiotis’ Cavapoo, who had become one of the “closest friends” of her four-year-old son who could not speak, was killed while out walking near her home in St Philips, Bristol. A 42-year-old man was arrested and the dog was seized by police.

Ms Chatzimargiotis is now calling on all dog owners to keep their dogs on a lead and for Bristol City Council to employ more dog walkers in the area.

Her eldest son, 14, was walking her beloved Ciccio when another dog approached – believed to be a Rottweiler pit bull, Ms Chatzimargiotis claimed.

He reportedly bit Ciccio on the neck before attacking her son and another dog.

“Our neighbors heard the screams and came out to see what was going on,” she said.

“We believe Ciccio died instantly. My son had blood on his face – he was very frightened.”

“He’s too scared to go out alone now.”

She adopted Ciccio as a puppy to help her non-speaking autistic son. They had developed a strong bond and he played with the dog every day.

In Westbury, Wiltshire, Honey Thorne’s Bichon Frise-Pug mix Pippa nearly died after being attacked by a dog of a suspected banned breed.

A white dog that looked like a pit ball grabbed Pippa by the chest, Ms Thorne said.

Matthew Thorne was walking Pippa and her second dog and said he “panicked”.

“I tried to keep our other dog away and help Pippa,” he said.

“Someone stopped her car and ripped open the hatch to get her out.”

Pippa was taken to a vet and needed stitches.

“It missed her carotid artery by inches,” Mrs Thorne said. “If it had hit her, she would have bled to death.”

Wiltshire Police is leading the way in tackling the rising number of incidents, with Chief Constable Paul Croft teaming up with Blue Cross Animal Charity to develop a course for responsible dog owners.

The online course is aimed at minor first-time offenders.

“We know that a lack of understanding and education on the part of dog owners can play a significant role in dog bites. Dogs rarely bite without provocation, so this online course will help dog owners to recognise the ‘canine communication ladder’ when it comes to dog bites,” said PC Croft.

“I am delighted that 30 police officers have introduced the course. I am confident that it will help reduce the number of dog bites across the country.”

Around 70 per cent of dog bite incidents occur in the home, with most victims being young children, added PC Croft.

A Bristol City Council spokesman said the authority was “investigating reports of dogs attacking others”.

“Where appropriate, measures will be taken to prevent future cases. This may include, for example, requiring dogs to be muzzled and kept on a leash in public spaces,” the spokesman added.

It is estimated that the dog population in the UK has only increased by 15% during this time.