Woman injured and family pet killed in dog attack

A woman was left with wounds to her hands and face and a family pet was killed after a dog attack in Malvern.

Andy Marriott said his mother, Jan, was in St Matthias churchyard on Tuesday when the pair were hurt.

He said his mother ended up in hospital for surgery, but was since home and recovering from the trauma, with the family now grieving for their pet, Laika, who was injured so badly she was put down.

Malvern Hills Police said the attacking dog had been euthanised after the animal and its owner were identified. The West Mercia force said it could not yet confirm the breed, adding the incident was still under investigation.

Mr Marriott said Laika was originally a street dog in Barcelona and the family had adopted her from a dog shelter.

"We brought her here for a safer, happier life, and this happened," he said.

A fundraising appeal is to be set up by the family to pay for vets' bills and to send their mother on a holiday to recuperate, Mr Marriott explained.

He said the family wanted to raise awareness about dangerous dogs.

He described the dog that attacked the pair as large and with wiry fur.

A spokesman for West Mercia Police said confirming the breed required a formal process with a qualified vet, which could be a lengthy process.

Malvern Hills Police posted on social media: "Police received reports of an incident resulting in a woman and her dog being injured in an attack around 7pm near to St Matthias Church, Malvern whereby another dog attacked them both.

"Unfortunately, the dog did not survive, and the female is seeking medical attention for her injuries."

Officers said many people had been in touch since the incident offering useful information.

They informed the public: "We would like to inform you that with your help, we have identified the dog, and the owner involved, and the dog has subsequently been put to sleep."

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