THESE are the horrific injuries suffered by a Southampton man who fought to save his pet from the jaws of another dog.

James Howard fears he and his rescue dog Rosie have been scarred for life following the traumatic incident, which occurred just 50ft from his front door.

Mr Howard was taking Rosie for her evening walk when they were targeted by a Bull Mastiff-type dog that got away from its owner.

He has reported the “relentless” attack to police and is calling for the owner to be prosecuted.

 

James Howard was badly bitten trying to defend his dog Rosie from another dog that attacked them in Pointout Road, Southampton.

James Howard was badly bitten trying to defend his dog Rosie from another dog that attacked them in Pointout Road, Southampton.

 

He said: “The other dog just went for us and latched on to Rosie. At one stage I was lying on the ground trying to separate the two animals.”

Mr Howard, a 36-year-old painter at Southampton docks, went to University Hospital Southampton, where staff cleaned his wounds and gave him antibiotics.

The incident occurred in Pointout Road, Southampton, on February 18.

Mr Howard said: “Rosie loved going up to other dogs but seems more reclusive now and sits behind things. I’ve had dogs my whole life but I’m more wary of both people and dogs as a result of what happened.

“I’m very angry - I sound calmer than I am. I don’t want to see a dog put down but I think something should happen - a fine maybe.”

His girlfriend, Harriet Lee, added: “James noticed another man on the other side of the road with a large dog on a lead.

“The dog spotted Rosie and immediately started showing signs of aggression.

 

James Howard was badly bitten trying to defend his dog Rosie from another dog that attacked them in Pointout Road, Southampton.

James Howard was badly bitten trying to defend his dog Rosie from another dog that attacked them in Pointout Road, Southampton.

 

“It managed to pull its lead free from the owner’s grip and unleashed a savage attack on Rosie, which resulted in James being bitten on the face as he tried to pull Rosie free and push the other dog away.”

Ms Lee said a woman, thought to be the owner’s wife or partner, ran out of a nearby house with a muzzle and harness for the dog.

But she added: “It was too little, too late.

“Rosie has sustained multiple injuries, a secondary bacterial infection, damage to her hind legs and a vet’s bill amounting to over £1,500.

“James has been left with a facial scar and pain in his left hand. Rosie is displaying signs of apprehension and nervousness.”

Police are investigating. Call 101 quoting 44220069324.

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