Guide dog falls victim to attack

Lucky was withdrawn from a guide dog training programme after she was attacked by two other dogs in Leamington.

Lucky, the golden retriever, was with her trainer when she was attacked in George Street by two Staffordshire bull terrier-type dogs.

The dogs, one muzzled, managed to break free from being tied to their owner’s bicycle while he was shopping.

He managed to pull the dogs away from Lucky but the mental damage caused was sufficient enough to force Guide Dogs to make the decision to withdraw her from the training programme she was undergoing at the training school at Edmondscote Manor in Warwick New Road.

She will no longer be able to fulfil her duties of guiding people who are blind and partially sighted.

Guide Dogs Engagement Officer Robert Jinks said, “Each month in this country ten Guide Dogs are attacked by other dogs.

“The charity is urgently requesting all dog owners to be responsible for the care and control of their own dogs.

“Guide Dogs also urge all members of the public to be aware of the needs of people with a visual impairment.

“To train and support a Guide Dog throughout its working life costs the Charity some £50,000.

“Lucky will no longer be able to work for Guide Dogs in any capacity”.

Dog attacks are of great concern to Guide Dogs and to guide dog owners.

The number of owners who are reporting dog attacks on their dogs increased from three a month in 2010 to more than eight a month last year 2012.

In February the Government announced it will be introducing legislation to make microchipping of all dogs compulsory in England from April 6 2016.

From that date owners will need to have their dog microchipped and registered on one of the authorised commercial databases available, register the details of any new owner before they sell or give the dog away and keep their contact details up-to-date on the microchip databases.

The aims are to help reunite strays with their owners, help tackle puppy farming and encourage responsible ownership.