A PENSIONER and his dog were left ‘covered in blood’ when a dog suddenly attacked them in Baiter Park, Poole.

James Wallace-Hadrill, 71, said he has walked his 10-year-old Cavachon, Lily, in the park around 5,000 times over seven years.

“She is very friendly, harmless, lovely little lamb dog,” said James.

“She’s a lamb.”

(Image: James Wallace-Hadrill)

On November 5, at around 10.15am, James and Lily were on their regular walk when he saw a group of people shouting and crying.

He picked Lily up ‘to protect her’ when suddenly a dog ran at them and grabbed onto Lily’s hind leg.

James shouted at a man walking the dog to ‘get it off of him’, when the man responded, “I can’t control it.”

James bent down in an attempt to remove the dog when it bit his hand.

“We were both totally in shock and covered in blood,” said James.

When they returned home, James’ wife rushed them to the nearest vet where Lily needed surgery and £1500 of treatment.

James later attended hospital and the GP after his bite became infected.

“We haven’t dared go back to Baiter Park,” said James.

(Image: James Wallace-Hadrill)

Following the incident, the owner of the dog voluntarily put it down, with police taking no further action.

James has since made a complaint to Dorset Police, adding that these offences ‘need to be taken seriously so that people feel reassured’.

A spokesperson said: “Dorset Police received a report at around 10.25am on Tuesday 5 November 2024 that a dog was attacked by another dog at Baiter Park in Poole.

“During the incident, it is reported that the victim dog’s owner sustained an injury to his hand.

“The injured dog was taken to the vets to receive treatment.

“At around 12.30pm later in the day, the owner of the offending dog attended Poole police station to report that her dog was responsible for biting another dog.

“Officers spoke to the owner, who made a decision to put the dog to sleep.

“As there was no ongoing risk to the public and the potential for future incidents was entirely mitigated.

“Following a review of the circumstances and responsible measures taken by the offending dog’s owner, no further police action was taken.

“The victim dog’s owner was updated and advised that a civil claim would need to be made to obtain money toward the vet fees incurred.

“The force has received a formal complaint that is currently being reviewed.

“Therefore, it would be inappropriate for us to comment further at this time.”