Surgery for pensioner injured saving pet Yorkie from Staffordshire terrier

A PENSIONER who stepped in to save her dog from being savaged by a bull terrier has spent three hours in surgery after her arm and ear were bitten during the attack.
Valerie Wade. Picture: Ross Parry AgencyValerie Wade. Picture: Ross Parry Agency
Valerie Wade. Picture: Ross Parry Agency

Widow Valerie Wade, 74, suffered the injuries while walking her Yorkshire terrier Whisker in Foxwood in York last Thursday.

A larger dog jumped over a garden fence and charged towards her.

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She held Whisker above her head to protect him from the animal.

However, the dog, which is believed to have been a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, then began to attack the 74-year-old as she was attempting to protect her pet.

The dog which charged towards her was said to have sank its jaws into Mrs Wade’s right arm 10 times and also took a bite out of her right ear.

The retired carer said: “Blood was running down my neck from my ear.”

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Resident Alison Giles heard Mrs Wade cries for help and came to the scene.

She has known the bull terrier since it was a puppy and was able to calm it down.

After the attack, Ms Giles’s mother then drove Mrs Wade to York Hospital where she spent more than three hours in surgery.

Speaking about her ordeal, Mrs Wade added: “I am worried because there are so many children who play and walk with their dogs there.”

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Inspector John Naughton, of North Yorkshire Police, said a 47-year-old man had been reported for the offence of having a dog dangerously out of control in a public place.

Insp Naughton has now appealed for any witnesses to the incident involving Mrs Wade last Thursday to contact North Yorkshire Police on the non-emergency number of 101.

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