A father-of-three has described how he fought off a pocket bully dog he believed would have killed his Labrador. Matthew Roberts, 44, was walking his seven-year-old dog Parker near their home in Flint on Saturday night when the animal charged at them.
Attack on Halkyn Road
The incident happened at around 10pm on Halkyn Road. Matthew said the dog clamped its jaws onto Parker, gripping him just under his shoulder. He tried kicking the dog, but it would not let go, so he grabbed its collar and twisted it to tighten it around its neck.
Only then did the dog release Parker, and Matthew sat on it to control it. A crowd gathered due to the noise, and someone called the police, who arrived with a blue light response. Matthew and one of the officers carried the dog into the back of the patrol car.
Vet treatment and police complaint
Parker required several hours of veterinary treatment on Sunday, including stitches under anaesthetic. The vet confirmed soft tissue and shoulder bone damage, and the bill totalled £700. Matthew avoided being bitten but was left disturbed by the ordeal.
He has submitted a complaint to North Wales Police, alleging the dog was handed back to its owner within an hour of the incident. He believes more checks should have been carried out on the dog and its owners to safeguard others.
Ongoing police action
Matthew said he was later informed by an inspector that some police actions regarding the other dog are ongoing. North Wales Police declined to comment at this stage.
Matthew said he now worries about letting his children walk the dog, adding: "This dog could attack another dog or a child."
