Woman injured and family pet dies after dog attack

A woman was left with wounds to her hands and face and a family pet suffered fatal injuries during a dog attack in Malvern.

Andy Marriott said his mother, Jan, was in St Matthias churchyard on Tuesday when the pair were injured.

He said his mother was left needing surgery in hospital, but has since returned home, with the family now grieving for their pet, Laika, their rescue dog that was so badly injured she had to be put down.

Malvern Hills Police said the attacking dog had been euthanised after the animal and its owner were identified. The West Mercia force said it could not yet confirm the breed, adding the attack remained under investigation.

Mr Marriott said Laika was originally a street dog in Barcelona and the family had adopted her from a dog shelter.

"We brought her here for a safer, happier life, and this happened," he said.

A fundraising appeal is to be set up by the family to pay for vets' bills and to send their mother on a holiday to recuperate, Mr Marriott explained.

He described the dog that attacked the pair as large and with wiry fur.

A police spokesperson said confirming the breed required a formal process with a qualified vet, which could be lengthy.

Mr Marriott said his mother had been walking Laika on a lead at the time.

He said the other dog was also on a lead, but its owner could not control it because of its size.

"It lunged and attacked Laika," he said. "My mum was bitten to the hands and face trying to save Laika."

He said his mother ran home with their pet in her arms and called for help, but Laika had open abdominal wounds and a perforated bowel.

"We were in tears, spoke to the vet and agreed with her being put down," Mr Marriott said.

He said the family wanted to raise awareness about owners who have large dogs they physically cannot control.

Police posted on social media: "[We] received reports of an incident resulting in a woman and her dog being injured in an attack around 7pm near to St Matthias Church, Malvern whereby another dog attacked them both.

"Unfortunately, the dog did not survive, and the female is seeking medical attention for her injuries."

Officers said many people had been in touch since the incident offering useful information.

The force later said: "We would like to inform you that with your help, we have identified the dog, and the owner involved, and the dog has subsequently been put to sleep."

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