A PERRANPORTH man whose dog was savagely bitten leaving him with a gaping wound in his stomach is urging other owners to keep their pets under proper control.
Paul Stokes was walking his rescue dog, Toby, on Perranporth beach last week when a large German shepherd dog lunged at his dog tearing his abdomen.
"We were playing with a ball when I threw it past the German shepherd who was on a lead. Toby ran past and the dog grabbed hold of his stomach," he said.
Toby needed emergency treatment costing £100 at St Clements Vets in Truro where he had ten staples attached to his stomach to repair the damage. Several days later he returned for a second operation to treat two puncture wounds.
"I am pleading with dog owners using the local beach to ensure their dogs are under proper control. Although his dog was on a lead, he couldn't control it or stop it attacking my dog," claimed Mr Stokes.
He said he was concerned fearing the attack could have been far worse, or even a small child.
Mr Stokes reported the incident to Truro police who spoke to the dog owner, who was staying at Perran Sands Holiday Park.
Sergeant Chris Manuel said he was investigating the incident and warned dog owners that they have a duty to control their dogs, and if they are dangerous they should be kept on a lead away from other dogs and should also be muzzled.
Anyone with information who may have witnessed the attack on Tuesday between 5.45pm and 6pm is asked to call 101 quoting reference no GR/13/234.
