Reward offered after dog attacked outside school

Eleanor Douglas was walking her four-year-old Border terrier Bertie along the lane at St Mary’s Primary between 4pm and 5pm on Tuesday, December 1.

Bertie was on a short lead when he was set upon by two larger dogs who were off the lead.

Eleanor believes the two dogs involved may have been bulldogs, one was a very distinctive mink colour, while the other was black.

The Border terrier suffered such a severe wound to his side that he needed to be rushed for surgery and was kept in at the vet overnight.

Eleanor, who hit the dogs with her stick to try to save her pet, suffered a scratch to her forehead and was prescribed diazepam by her doctor due to the anxiety the incident caused.

She said: “It has been hell, Bertie is just a wee pup and it is heartbreaking having to change his dressings every day and seeing the wound on his side, my husband has been sleeping on the floor every night to keep him comfortable.

“This happened right outside the school gates, what would have happened if it had occured a few hours earlier and had involved a small child being attacked?

“Someone much know who these dogs belong to, they looked so distinctive that people must have seen them around the town, and having contacted the police I am offering a reward for any information that can be provided as I believe someone needs to answer for this.

“I can be contacted by calling 07511 509661 or 07960 560233 and any information given will be treated in the strictest confidence and would be gratefully received.”