Roy Campbell, from Singleton, lifts Jack Russell Snoop in the air to avoid bite from approaching dog
00:01, 27 January 2015
A man says he has no choice but to lift his dog above his head when out walking to avoid attacks by other animals.
Roy Campbell, 67, says he has twice had to lift two-year-old Snoop, a Jack Russell cross, up in the air to avoid harm coming to him from other dogs.
He is now calling on owners to keep their dogs on leads to avoid potential attacks.
Mr Campbell was walking near Singleton Lake last month when a dog, thought to be a Staffordshire bull terrier which was off the lead, started running towards them.
He said: “I saw the dog 60-70 yards away but the minute it saw us it came tearing towards us.
“After having to hold my dog who was on a lead above my head to prevent any injury to him, the bottom of my legs were the next target!" - Roy Campbell
“After having to hold my dog who was on a lead above my head to prevent any injury to him, the bottom of my legs were the next target!
“I had to kick out for a bit to prevent any injury to me. At this point the owner who had so far been unconcerned with what had been happening decided to get verbally abusive to me.
“I told him that his dog should be on a lead and not running loose.
"After a few days I passed this man again and he did apologise.
"I accepted his apology but explained that had I not been able to lift my dog up he would have suffered serious injury or worse.
"I do have to state though that I am a dog lover of all breeds and that this is not isolation towards the staff breed."
Then last week, Mr Campbell, a retired dog handler and security guard, was walking Snoop in Tithe Barn Lane, Singleton when a Jack Russell which was off the lead approached them.
He said: “Again, I lifted him above my head. Snoop was nervous when I got him, but he is even more wary now. I can still lift him, but there are others who can’t.
“Why, oh why, do people think it’s OK to not have a dog on a lead in a public place if the dog is anxious around other dogs or people?
“I always walk my dog on a lead, my daughter has a rottweiler that is always walked on a lead.”
There has been a spate of dog attacks in the borough in recent weeks.
A 10-year-old boy was left heartbroken when his puppy Smudge was savaged in front of him in Kennington.
Sadly Smudge had to be put to sleep due to the extent of his injuries.
Louise Hounsell, from South Ashford, had to put her beloved terrier Alfie put to sleep after it was horrifically attacked and injured by another dog.
Miss Hounsell was also left with an infected arm and swollen ankle following the attack.
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