Owner of dog which attacked jogger tells victim the pet 'could be like this with runners'

A RUNNER in his 70s was left with a leg wound after being bitten by dog near Christchurch.

The incident took place as the victim was heading back onto Hawthorn Road from Leigh Woods, near Burton, at around 6.20pm on Saturday.

Police said he was approached by a man and a woman who were walking several dogs. The woman had a black Labrador-type dog, while the man had at least two dogs which resembled Irish wolfhounds.

One of the man’s dogs came out of a hedge and bit the victim on the lower leg, causing a puncture wound.

The dog walker apologised, saying the pet “could be like this with runners”, but he did not give his details. The man is described as white, in his 40s with brushed-back hair and glasses.

Police investigating the incident are urging people to come forward if they can help trace the dog walker.

PC Jennie Sykes said: “We are carrying out enquiries to identify the owner of the dog involved and I would appeal for anyone who has any information to please contact us.

“I would also urge the owner to come forward and give their account so we can establish the full circumstances of this incident.”

Officers are also continuing to probe an incident in which a horse rider was left with a broken collar bone after being thrown from a horse which had been chased by two large dogs on Sopley Common.

As reported in the A&T, the attack took place as experienced rider Hayley Williams (29) and her mother Katrina West were out on horseback on a track at the site between the Avon Causeway and Hurn Bridge Sports Club shortly after 10am on Wednesday 19th February.

The pets, described as fluffy black and brown Bernese mountain-type dogs, were being walked off-lead when they ran at the horses, causing Hayley’s horse to trip, throwing her to the ground.

Hayley was treated for a dislocated fracture of her collarbone at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital, having been taken there by the dogs’ male owner who then left without leaving details. She now faces a year of recuperation and time off her job helping children with physical disabilities.

Those with information should contact Dorset officers on 101, quoting incident reference number 55200048870 for the runner attack or 55200028585 for the horse rider attack. Crimestoppers can also be called on 0800 555 111.