Thousands raised for pensioner mauled by dogs

Nearly £24,000 has been raised to help a West Sussex pensioner who had to have two limbs amputated following a vicious dog attack.

Vic Franklin, from Bognor Regis, lost his left leg and right arm after being savaged by two out-of-control Rottweilers in August 2023.

Since being discharged from hospital, the 79-year-old has been confined to his living room because his home is not modified to meet his new needs.

Donations from well-wishers will now go towards a wet room, stair lift and mobility vehicle to help Mr Franklin "enjoy the rest of his days in happiness".

Mr Franklin had been walking his own dog on Lewes Road, near his home, when the attack happened.

Eyewitnesses recalled him being dragged down the street by the escaped Rottweilers, which one passer-by had to fight off with a spirit level.

Both animals were later shot dead at the scene by police marksmen.

While Mr Franklin's life had been saved, his son Lee said the "the physical and emotional toll has been overwhelming".

He added that after spending several months in hospital undergoing major operations, the grandfather-of-four's "complex needs" were being disregarded by the local council.

"They are refusing to grant him any help with vital renovations to the house, and neither is he entitled to any compensation from the owners of the dogs," Mr Franklin's son said.

"Basically he is pretty much entitled to nothing, so the money raised has been amazing."

He added: "Dad is old-school, proud and determined not to let this get him down, but we as a family, we just want him to be comfortable and believe he deserves a good standard of life."

A spokesperson for Arun District Council said it regretted having been unable to approve a Disabled Facilities Grant for Mr Franklin because having "being means-tested", he did "not meet the necessary eligibility criteria".

However, a West Sussex County Council spokesperson added: "If a person is not eligible, we will work with them and our partners in other authorities and agencies to identify other support and potential means of funding."

In January Chloe Taylor, 27, and her partner Matthew Roberts, 30, from Chichester, pleaded guilty to two counts of being in charge of a dog that caused injury while dangerously out of control in a public place.

Taylor was jailed for two years and three months at Portsmouth Crown Court while Roberts got a one-year suspended sentence, 100 hours unpaid work and 20 rehabilitation days.

Both defendants were banned from owning dogs for 10 years.

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