A DISTRAUGHT dog owner saw her dog savagely attacked by another pet on a Bournemouth common.

Beverley Bingham is urging people with aggressive dogs to keep them muzzled after her border collie Rio was set upon by a Boxer-type dog on Turbary Common.

The one-year-old later developed a “severe infection” after the attack at around 4.15pm on Monday August 9 and underwent an hour-long operation at The Pet Practice in Wallisdown.

The pet is still on antibiotics and may face a further operation.

Mrs Bingham, of Alder Crescent in Poole, said the attack occurred after the woman asked whether Rio was a dog or a bitch and when told he was male, answered that her dog was “not going to like that”.

Mrs Bingham said: “Before she could finish he had his mouth round my dog’s neck. She was trying to get him off but he wouldn’t let go.

“My dog was crying and shrieking and I was shouting at her. Eventually she got him off.”

Shocked Mrs Bingham took Rio straight home and it was only a week later that she noticed an orange size swelling on his neck and took him to see vets. Rio now has stitches spanning the width of his shoulders and a surgical drain.

She said: “If your dog is prone to attacking other dogs they should have a muzzle on.”

Vet Ben Johnson, practice owner, said although puncture holes in the skin may be small, an infection may be spreading underneath. “It can become a major problem if left. People should take them to the vets within 24 hours,” he added.

Dean Shepherd, Bournemouth council environmental protection officer for animal welfare, said they were aware of the attack, adding: “Our dog wardens regularly patrol the area for dogs out of control but I would encourage all dog owners to take extra precautions and ensure that their animal is kept on a lead at all times."