Woman bitten by dog while walking in Oare Marshes Nature Reserve
05:00, 23 April 2022
A woman was bitten by a dog in an attack that left her "incredibly scared" and is being investigated by police.
Kailyn Kreiselmeier was walking her wire-haired dachshund Tinkerbell on a leash in Uplees, on Oare Marshes Nature Reserve, when the attack happened.
The 28-year-old was heading home at about 11.30am last Tuesday when her mobile phone rang and she moved to one side of the footpath - which runs through a sheep field but is fenced off - to answer the call.
She says three dogs suddenly ran towards her along the path, from behind.
"I was incredibly scared and frightened for my dog," said Kailyn.
"They quickly charged at my dog, who is half their size. I immediately scooped my dog up into my arms, really, really scared that they were going to brutally hurt and even kill her."
But one of the dogs then sank its teeth into Kailyn's left leg, below the knee.
Kailyn describes the attack as "completely unprovoked and random".
"I was literally standing right over to one side of the path for a moment, focused on taking a phone call, just going about my day and not bothering anybody," she said.
"I was very lucky to have been wearing jeans at the time. I have puncture marks on my leg in multiple places.
"It was bleeding at first but it was mainly a massive amount of deep bruising and swelling."
Kailyn says the owner of the dogs drove away from the scene.
She visited Faversham Health Centre, where her injuries were cleaned and bandaged, and she was given a tetanus jab and antibiotics.
She describes the attack as "absolutely shocking", and has criticised the owner for allowing the dogs to run around off-lead.
"I love and cherish dogs," she explained. "I'm all about dogs and I volunteer at a local animal sanctuary.
"I would say it is vanishingly rare for any dog to attack or to pose any danger or threat.
"It is very extreme and very abnormal. I just hope and pray that nobody else is put in danger."
Police are now investigating the incident.
A spokesman said: "The victim reports that the dog bit her on the leg before the man drove away from the scene.
"Anyone with information should contact police on 01795 419119, quoting reference 46/67993/22."
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