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Dog owner tells of attack horror
Lesley Billington with Ellie
Lesley Billington with Ellie

A DOG walker has spoken of her horror after her 10-month-old puppy was attacked by two other dogs in Westbury town park.

Lesley Billington, 49, from West End, Westbury, was walking her black labrador Ellie when she was set upon at about 7.30am on April 21.

Mrs Billington said: "I always take Ellie out for a two to three mile walk every morning.

"When we got to the park I noticed there was an Alsatian on the grass and a border collie chasing a ball. Then suddenly the Alsatian came over and attacked Ellie and the border collie followed. There was no warning or barking, the dog just jumped her.

"Ellie screamed and the sound went right through you. The owner apologised and pulled them back by the collars, as neither dog was on a lead.

"I phoned the vets because she wasn't walking and she had her leg up in the air and then I went round to see town councillor Mike Cuthbert-Murray and Ellie's leg was bleeding all over the floor.

"Mike checked her leg over to see what was wrong because I couldn't bear to do it. The vets gave her a couple of injections and tablets.

"Her front left leg had been pierced and marked and she's on antibiotics and anti-inflammatory tablets now.

"Ellie was such a social and friendly pup before the attack and now she's scared out of her wits and cowers."

Mrs Billington is worried that next time it might be a child who is attacked.

She said: "It's dangerous because people take their children down there while they walk their dogs and kids play football there too. It was a very, very frightening experience and I wouldn't want it to happen to someone else."

Westbury town councillor Mike Cuthbert-Murray said: "This was an horrific attack and I hope the owner and her puppy recover quickly.

"It highlights the responsibility pet owners have when they are out with their dogs in public. Thankfully it was not a child this time."

Police in Westbury are appealing for information on the incident.

10:08am Thursday 1st May 2008

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Posted by: DM, Westbury on 10:47am Thu 1 May 08
My cousin experienced the same. A rottie off the lead attacked her terrier, completely umprovoked and out of the blue. Poor Scooby needed extensive treatment which apart from the fact cost hundreds of pounds also left the dog a nervous wreck.
Owners should be made to pay for any treatment in my opinion, not the victims of the attack.
Posted by: petpatrol, westbury on 2:18pm Thu 1 May 08
The two dogs who are mentioned in the attack still go to the park, anyone who see's them should give them a wide birth as they could attack again. I hope that Ellie isn't mentally scared by this attack and recovers quickly, Mike Cuthbert-Murray did a great job and should get a pat on the back for his fast action.
Posted by: CC, Wiltshire on 3:48pm Thu 1 May 08
If the police in Westbury are appealing for information, I would imagine popping down to the park a few times would help - if they are the same dogs still going there off the lead, it'll be easy to pick up the owner!
The problems selfish dog owners create for other people isn't taken seriously enough, until someone is maimed or killed by which time it's way too late.
Prevention's got to be better than reaction surely?

Posted by: Disgusted of, Westbury on 5:54pm Thu 1 May 08
petpatrol wrote:
The two dogs who are mentioned in the attack still go to the park, anyone who see's them should give them a wide birth as they could attack again. I hope that Ellie isn't mentally scared by this attack and recovers quickly, Mike Cuthbert-Murray did a great job and should get a pat on the back for his fast action.

Why can't all councillors be like Mike Cuthbert-Murray?

You won't see him asking for gold statues of himself in the market place.

Posted by: Local Bloke, Leigh Park, Westbury on 6:43pm Thu 1 May 08
So, who has asked for a gold statue?

Can you substantiate such a ridiculous claim?
Posted by: Disgusted of, Westbury on 7:21pm Thu 1 May 08
Local Bloke wrote:
So, who has asked for a gold statue? Can you substantiate such a ridiculous claim?

Of course I can! 'ridiculous claim'? You need to read the WT site a bit more!
Posted by: Necker, Trowbridge on 10:42am Fri 2 May 08
WT stop regurgitating old news please. It was petty the first time round. I don't know what's trying to be achieved by re-running this story with extra angles.
Posted by: petpatrol, westbury on 2:19pm Fri 2 May 08
Necker wrote:
WT stop regurgitating old news please. It was petty the first time round. I don't know what's trying to be achieved by re-running this story with extra angles.
I think the reason for runing the story again is to shake the police up as well as getting anyone who witnessed the attack to hopefully come forward. I hope that the police will do something soon before this happens again.
Posted by: petpatrol, westbury on 2:28pm Fri 2 May 08
I think the reason for runing this story again is to shake up the police and warn other people that these Dogs are off the Lead.Because of the irresponsible Dog Owner other people with smaller dogs are now afraid of larger Dogs. I would like to say that I have a 9 year old German Shepherd and I can't imagine why owners walk their dog off the lead in a public place when the law states that they have to stop on one. Its not clevers at all.
Posted by: sally beenwell, westbury on 4:19pm Fri 2 May 08
Disgusted of wrote:
petpatrol wrote: The two dogs who are mentioned in the attack still go to the park, anyone who see's them should give them a wide birth as they could attack again. I hope that Ellie isn't mentally scared by this attack and recovers quickly, Mike Cuthbert-Murray did a great job and should get a pat on the back for his fast action.
Why can't all councillors be like Mike Cuthbert-Murray? You won't see him asking for gold statues of himself in the market place.
I do believe that that there local Bloke he be Heather/Sara. I Cant keep up with all this Gender changing.Does Local Bloke know anyting about Umberellas?.
Posted by: Necker, Trowbridge on 11:37pm Fri 2 May 08
petpatrol wrote:
Necker wrote: WT stop regurgitating old news please. It was petty the first time round. I don't know what's trying to be achieved by re-running this story with extra angles.
I think the reason for runing the story again is to shake the police up as well as getting anyone who witnessed the attack to hopefully come forward. I hope that the police will do something soon before this happens again.
In my opinion this is one step away from

SCOOP - DOG CHASES CAT!

Is it OK for dogs to chase cats?

What I'm trying to say is you cannot change some things.

Dogs bite..... end of story please...
Posted by: YetiJoe, Trow on 10:48pm Sun 4 May 08
Disgusted.

Point me at the story to substantiate yout claim please.

If RH did ask for a gold statue of himself I'd dearly like to know about it.

Please post the link here.
Posted by: Local Bloke, Leigh Park, Westbury on 11:55pm Sun 4 May 08
Disgusted has made it up.

There is no proposal for any statue in Westbury Market Place.

In fact, White Horse News reported earlier this year that the town council is thinking about a new War Memorial (as there used to be one in the Market Place).
Posted by: Local Bloke, Leigh Park, Westbury on 12:01am Mon 5 May 08
All Disgusted can refer to is where anonymous posters have made the claim, which is not proof of anything.
Posted by: Disgusted of, Westbury on 9:45am Mon 5 May 08

Planning permission for a 30 foot tall statue of Russell Hawker on horseback has indeed now been granted. You can see the plans for it at The Laverton. A model is on show all this week in the upstairs hall.
Posted by: Russell Hawker, WESTBURY on 9:54am Mon 5 May 08
Disgusted of wrote:
Planning permission for a 30 foot tall statue of Russell Hawker on horseback has indeed now been granted. You can see the plans for it at The Laverton. A model is on show all this week in the upstairs hall.
100% Untrue.

This is obviously Disgusted's idea of a joke, but it is - in every sense - a lie.
Posted by: sally beenwell, westbury on 1:35pm Mon 5 May 08
yes i to have heard this is quite true Hawker will be perched on a horse.i am given to understand that the reason for this is because when they cast the bronze model of the horse they forgot to put a dick underneath the horse so they decided to put one on top.
Posted by: Disgusted of, Westbury on 1:58pm Mon 5 May 08
sally beenwell wrote:
yes i to have heard this is quite true Hawker will be perched on a horse.i am given to understand that the reason for this is because when they cast the bronze model of the horse they forgot to put a dick underneath the horse so they decided to put one on top.

PMSL!
Posted by: elyshasmum, bath on 5:36pm Mon 5 May 08
sally you really are funny. Love it bet old russ won't see the funny side but we all do ha ha
Posted by: sally beenwell, westbury on 7:49pm Mon 5 May 08
How can you be called Brussell Brolly Boy, Heather,Sarah, Hawker and not have a sense of Humour.?
Posted by: sally beenwell, westbury on 9:29pm Mon 5 May 08
You really need a sense of humour when you got the likes of Old brolly boy Heather for a cllr. The whole world has gone Crazy. Even the london Mayor Is a bloody Comedian Now. Perhaps old Brussell will have company feeding the pigeons in London now We will no doubt have the Boris and Brussell show.
Posted by: donteventhinkit, Corsham on 8:44am Tue 6 May 08
I thought this was a reasonable exchange of views but it seems to now be about a statue.
Anyway back to the story the puppy got bitten on the leg hardly injury of the century is it. As someone who owns a belgian shepherd (black alsation for the less well informed) and a greyhound i come across the "keep it away" crew every day both my dogs run off lead in a local area with many dog walkers. Dogs are a social species they need to socialise and interact with there own kind sometimes fights break out and usually its nothing but noise and display with the odd scratch usually a hyper dog being calmed down by another. There is no reason to keep a dog on lead at all times unless you lack control for petpatrol to suggest such a thing is nonsense the law does not require leads at all times it requires control at all times but not a lead. For those with less socially able dogs there is such a thing as a muzzle which will enable the dog to learn safely how to be social. Any self respecting owner would offer to pay for injury caused to another dog but then any decent owner would have pet insurance and the ability to stomach checking the dog for injury themselves. Simply rediculas that this lady couldnt bare to look.
Posted by: Disgusted of, Westbury on 5:43pm Tue 6 May 08
donteventhinkit wrote:
I thought this was a reasonable exchange of views but it seems to now be about a statue. Anyway back to the story the puppy got bitten on the leg hardly injury of the century is it. As someone who owns a belgian shepherd (black alsation for the less well informed) and a greyhound i come across the "keep it away" crew every day both my dogs run off lead in a local area with many dog walkers. Dogs are a social species they need to socialise and interact with there own kind sometimes fights break out and usually its nothing but noise and display with the odd scratch usually a hyper dog being calmed down by another. There is no reason to keep a dog on lead at all times unless you lack control for petpatrol to suggest such a thing is nonsense the law does not require leads at all times it requires control at all times but not a lead. For those with less socially able dogs there is such a thing as a muzzle which will enable the dog to learn safely how to be social. Any self respecting owner would offer to pay for injury caused to another dog but then any decent owner would have pet insurance and the ability to stomach checking the dog for injury themselves. Simply rediculas that this lady couldnt bare to look.

Since when has an Alsation ripping lumps out of another dogs leg been any part of 'socialising'? The Alsation was quite clearly out of control. I dread to think what you are like at a party!
Posted by: Disgusted of, Westbury on 5:44pm Tue 6 May 08

Back to Russells statue......

Posted by: sally beenwell, westbury on 5:53pm Tue 6 May 08
donteventhinkit wrote:
I thought this was a reasonable exchange of views but it seems to now be about a statue. Anyway back to the story the puppy got bitten on the leg hardly injury of the century is it. As someone who owns a belgian shepherd (black alsation for the less well informed) and a greyhound i come across the "keep it away" crew every day both my dogs run off lead in a local area with many dog walkers. Dogs are a social species they need to socialise and interact with there own kind sometimes fights break out and usually its nothing but noise and display with the odd scratch usually a hyper dog being calmed down by another. There is no reason to keep a dog on lead at all times unless you lack control for petpatrol to suggest such a thing is nonsense the law does not require leads at all times it requires control at all times but not a lead. For those with less socially able dogs there is such a thing as a muzzle which will enable the dog to learn safely how to be social. Any self respecting owner would offer to pay for injury caused to another dog but then any decent owner would have pet insurance and the ability to stomach checking the dog for injury themselves. Simply rediculas that this lady couldnt bare to look.
Cant se what your on about. We are simply talking about our favourite Pets. And Brussell just happens to be My favourite Animal.He also happens to be very well Trained He only barks when his sees a moron.
Posted by: YetiJoe, Trow on 10:42pm Tue 6 May 08
He must bark at you and your poxy mates a lot then, given the moronic comments you seem to come up with.

Glad to see that it is complete and utter b o l l o c k s that you lot post though, firmly consigned to the dustbin of poisonous small minds.

Carry on morons.
Posted by: sally beenwell, westbury on 1:48pm Wed 7 May 08
YetiJoe wrote:
He must bark at you and your poxy mates a lot then, given the moronic comments you seem to come up with. Glad to see that it is complete and utter b o l l o c k s that you lot post though, firmly consigned to the dustbin of poisonous small minds. Carry on morons.
There ys go Heather i,ve drawn out another possible Potential lover for you. His name is Yetijoe. His a proper Moron so you should have lots of fun with him. Can he have a free Umberella?.
Posted by: DILLIGAF, Westbury on 3:36pm Wed 7 May 08
sally beenwell wrote:
YetiJoe wrote: He must bark at you and your poxy mates a lot then, given the moronic comments you seem to come up with. Glad to see that it is complete and utter b o l l o c k s that you lot post though, firmly consigned to the dustbin of poisonous small minds. Carry on morons.
There ys go Heather i,ve drawn out another possible Potential lover for you. His name is Yetijoe. His a proper Moron so you should have lots of fun with him. Can he have a free Umberella?.

Sounds like he already has a shed load of 'em.

Posted by: YetiJoe, Trow on 9:06pm Wed 7 May 08
Just to keep you small minded six fingered retards content, while I'll read the noxious fumes that emit from your low IQ mouths, frankly your loos see the better emmissions, I'll leave you to your fun in peace. Write as you wish, every time you do you re-inforce to everyone not part of your back patting gang, what complete spuds you all are.

Doubtless I'll be reading stories about your kids committing violence and crime in Westbury on the Council sink holes you call home, while you spend your benefits on stella and provide your children love by turning on the TV. Instead of spouting garbage, go out and try and get a job, do something useful for society and stop scrounging off all us taxpayers. You should all be ashamed.

Oh I forgot, your incapacity benefits and mobility cars and DLA pay for your shell suit lives and the right to criticse those who actually want to make a difference to others.

Goodbye saddo's.

:)
Posted by: Disgusted of, Westbury on 10:21pm Wed 7 May 08
"Just to keep you small minded six fingered retards content,"

HOI. You aint talking to your relatives in Frome now mate and it's SEVEN fingers!
Posted by: HM QUEEN SHEENA, wilts on 11:53pm Wed 7 May 08
YetiJoe wrote:
Just to keep you small minded six fingered retards content, while I'll read the noxious fumes that emit from your low IQ mouths, frankly your loos see the better emmissions, I'll leave you to your fun in peace. Write as you wish, every time you do you re-inforce to everyone not part of your back patting gang, what complete spuds you all are.

Doubtless I'll be reading stories about your kids committing violence and crime in Westbury on the Council sink holes you call home, while you spend your benefits on stella and provide your children love by turning on the TV. Instead of spouting garbage, go out and try and get a job, do something useful for society and stop scrounging off all us taxpayers. You should all be ashamed.

Oh I forgot, your incapacity benefits and mobility cars and DLA pay for your shell suit lives and the right to criticse those who actually want to make a difference to others.

Goodbye saddo's.

:)
what a dreadful thing to write, are you a nazi
Posted by: sally beenwell, westbury on 7:29am Thu 8 May 08
YetiJoe wrote:
Just to keep you small minded six fingered retards content, while I'll read the noxious fumes that emit from your low IQ mouths, frankly your loos see the better emmissions, I'll leave you to your fun in peace. Write as you wish, every time you do you re-inforce to everyone not part of your back patting gang, what complete spuds you all are. Doubtless I'll be reading stories about your kids committing violence and crime in Westbury on the Council sink holes you call home, while you spend your benefits on stella and provide your children love by turning on the TV. Instead of spouting garbage, go out and try and get a job, do something useful for society and stop scrounging off all us taxpayers. You should all be ashamed. Oh I forgot, your incapacity benefits and mobility cars and DLA pay for your shell suit lives and the right to criticse those who actually want to make a difference to others. Goodbye saddo's. :)
Well Does,nt our Little yetijoe seem to have Heathers kickers in a twist. What You fail to Grasp Yeti, Is whilst you out thare making a Difference as you call it. I can sit on my super slim sexy A r s e and you are paying for me. So you tell me who the Sadddo is Yetiplonk.
P.S could you do someovertime this week i am applying for DHSS loan.
Posted by: sally beenwell, westbury on 9:05am Thu 8 May 08
By the way yettiplonk.
Dont slam the door on the way out. I dont want to be disturbed untill i get up about 2.pm.
Posted by: Alex Zivojinovich, Wiltshire on 10:42pm Fri 9 May 08
This is gggrrreeaaattt. Dont give up now Yeti, I'm gonna write a book on this.
Posted by: donteventhinkit, Corsham on 1:36pm Sat 10 May 08
What im saying is a dog does not leaglly have to be on a leash except by roads so the person with the dogs had every right to have them off leash. Someone further up the comments said they had to be on leash at all times and thats just not true. This pup was attacked by dogs who do not know how to discipline other dogs because they have no discipline themselves. The owner can easily muzzle these dogs and socialise them with well adjusted dogs without risk of harm and prevent this from ever happening again. Everyone blames the dogs but in the end if the handler is not assertive and dominant to those dogs then the dogs wont respect them and wont behave in a good social manner.I control both my dogs with a snap of the fingers one is a pup one is an adult neither one acts without my say so thats why we dont have fights with other dogs. As to what im like at a party i certainly dont see the relevence to this article.
Posted by: sally beenwell, westbury on 2:52pm Sat 10 May 08
Ok Then i will ensure that i keep Heather Sarah brolly boy Brussell on a lead in future, But i doubt that there will be a Muzzle big enough for her.
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