Veterinary nurse attacked by eight-stone Japanese Akita dog
A veterinary nurse was attacked by an eight-stone Japanese Akita dog as she helped put the pet in the back of a car, suffering cuts to her forearms, wrists and back, a court heard.
Vet Susan Lunn lifted the four-year-old dog's hind legs after being asked for help by Amarjit Dosangh in putting the animal in the vehicle in the car park of Vets4Pets in Cannock.
But Cannock Magistrates' Court heard how the dog then bit Ms Lunn before jumping at her. Prosecutor Mr Nick Hughes said she suffered cuts to her wrist, elbow and back.
Dosanjh, 44, of Packington Mews, Cannock, pleaded guilty to being a person in charge of a dangerous dog out of control causing injury. She told the court her ex-husband owned the pet, called Arshavin.
The court heard how Dosanjh had originally taken the dog to the vets to receive treatment for kennel cough, for which a throat spray was given. The dog remained on the harness in the treatment room and when it was taken out into the car park.
Attempting to get the dog into the back of her car, Mrs Dosanjh laid treats in the car to tempt Arshavin to enter, the court heard. However, as she was having difficulty, she returned into the vets for more treats and assistance.
Ms Lunn offered to help and lifted the dogs hind legs into the car.
"The defendant thinks she may have touched his testicles, which meant that he turned on her," Mr Christopher Stapleton, defending, said.
Photographs of the injuries were shown in court.
Ms Lunn had to clean up her wounds at the surgery before visiting Cannock Chase walk in centre where she was given medication to prevent infection. The incident happened on September 19.
Mr Hughes said Ms Lunn said the dog had her in a "vice-like grip" and that she was was "afraid he was going to drag her to the floor and maul her."
Two reports were submitted about the condition and behaviour of the animal, one calling for it to be destroyed and the other stating it should be saved.
Magistrate Jean Reed adjourned the hearing for a third report to be done on the dog by the Crown Prosecution Service.
She also requested Mrs Dosanjh speak to probation officers and her husband attend the case when it returns to court on March 11.
