Border Collie attacked by another dog in Sheffield park 'could have been killed'

Nicole Johnson, 24, says her family dog Charlie, a nine-year-old Border Collie, could have been killed during the attack in Tannery Park, Woodhouse, on Friday, September 25.

She has now launched a petition calling for more licencing for pets to ensure that ‘irresponsible’ people are not allowed to own dogs if they can’t keep them under control.

The crackdown, she says, would prevent dangerous dogs from attacking pets such as Charlie and would also create jobs for people as dog wardens.

Nicole said: “The petition is either to bring the dog licence back, for people to keep their dogs on a lead at all times, or just for people to take more control of their dogs.

"When a dog has been reported for being dangerous it needs looking into, it needs some sort of control.”

Nicole’s mum, Julie Holmes, had been walking Charlie in Tannery Park at around 8:30pm when they were approached by two other dogs.

Both dogs, which are believed to have been Staffordshire bull terriers, were off the lead at the time with the owner nearby.

One then attacked Charlie, causing puncture wounds to his side which later required stitches.

Nicole said: “The dogs were sniffing Charlie, so my mum asked the owner to get his dogs away but before she knew one was attacking Charlie and pushed him into the wall.

"Luckily it was only one attacking Charlie, the other ran off. From what I gather the owner, a man, wasn’t apologetic.

"My mum had to carry Charlie away, he was bleeding quite badly. She didn’t think he was going to survive it it was so brutal.”

After receiving veterinary treatment, Charlie is now recovering at home having been prescribed medication for his injuries.

The family are now appealing for anyone with information about the identity of the dog owner to come forward.

You can also sign Nicole’s petition here.

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