A DOG suffered serious injuries after being mauled by four Staffordshire bull terriers in Poole Park.

Horrified owner Peter Cotgrove said his dog Suzy required dozens of stitches after the attack, which saw the skin of her chest torn off.

He and his wife, Pat, were walking the 14-year-old retriever and Welsh sheepdog cross through the park in the afternoon when a woman with four Staffies approached them.

Peter said the dogs did not appear to be on leads when they attacked Suzy, and the owner did not apologise afterwards.

“Luckily, two or three people came to help us. One gentleman on a bike pulled one of the dogs off mine. The dogs were not under control, and the owner disappeared as rapidly as she could.

“We took Suzy straight to the vets. The skin was torn off her chest and she required stitches. The injuries were very nasty, and the vet was so incensed he reported what happened.”

Peter contacted the council and reported the details to the dog warden. He also contacted the police but was told it was not a police matter as the attack did not involve a person.

“It would be nice if some action could be taken, but I don’t know what the council can do now,” he said.

“People need to be warned there are some dangerous dogs about.

“My dog has never been attacked before, and we’ve been living near Poole Park for the last 15 months.

“When Suzy is fit again, we’ll see how she is about going to the park – she might be a bit anxious.”

Peter added his vet bills had added up to nearly £1,000, and he and Pat had been forced to cancel a holiday following the attack.

Peter Haikin, Borough of Poole’s regulatory services manager, said: “We’re very sorry to hear about this incident and can confirm that we have received some outline details of the incident. We understand the attack took place on the afternoon of Thursday, 7th June in Poole Park.

“One dog was attacked by four Staffordshire Bull Terriers. Our Environmental Health service will be investigating further and we are keen to hear from anyone with personal knowledge of the incident who can help identify the parties involved in confidence.

“We can be emailed at environment@poole.gov.uk or telephone on 01202 271700 and request to speak to an Animal Welfare Officer.”