More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
A much-loved pet has been left with a snapped jaw and had to have a brace fitted after it was injured in what its owner described as a ferocious attack by another dog.
Paul Jackaman was walking his partner Carol Green's shih tzu Archie along the sea wall at Queenborough on the Isle of Sheppey.
He said he had to punch the other animal to get it off near to the pier by Aesica.
Archie was snuffling about down on the shingle when Mr Jackaman noticed two people walking in the area on Thursday evening.
He said the next thing he knew, he was nearly knocked flying by another dog - which he believes was a Staffordshire bull terrier - that launched itself at the one-year-old puppy.
The owner of the animal did not apologise or see how badly hurt Archie was and Mr Jackaman is hopeful he might come forward and help towards the cost of some of the vet bills.
"It nearly knocked me out and launched a ferocious attack on Archie – it was like a rugby tackle..." - Paul Jackaman
The 49-year-old, of High Street, Queenborough, said: "It nearly knocked me out and launched a ferocious attack on Archie – it was like a rugby tackle.
"He's a very placid dog and very friendly – it was completely unprovoked. I had to punch it five times to get it off.
"The dog had hold of Archie around his jaw and he had blood coming from his mouth and was whimpering.
"I thought his neck had been punctured – that's what I was concerned about."
Mr Jackaman said he ran off after Archie and when he looked back the man was holding his dog down.
Ms Green, who is recovering from a stroke, said: "It could have been a child and if a dog is that dangerous it should be on a lead or have a muzzle on.
"We want to warn other people in the area."
Civil servant Mr Jackaman rushed Archie to the vets to discover he had suffered a broken jaw in two places.
A metal brace has been fitted and the pet will have to undergo a further operation.
The couple have so far spent £1,500 on vet bills and they appealed to the owner to apologise and perhaps pay towards the cost of their £75 insurance excess.
The couple reported the attack to the police and are also going to speak to Swale council's dog warden Tim Oxley.
A Kent Police spokesman said inquiries into the incident are ongoing.
