COVENTRY MESSAGE BOARD

A blind Coventry woman says she is afraid to leave her house after her guide dog suffered a horrific, unprovoked attack by another dog in the city centre.



Charlotte Nickson and her guide dog, Layla, were walking from Wilkinson’s to Sainsbury’s on Trinity Street on Sunday afternoon (August 7) when another dog lunged at Layla’s face.

Charlotte, who is registered visually impaired, felt Layla push her back – doing her best to protect her owner from the other dog.

“The dog had locked on and was pulling on Layla’s face,” Charlotte told the Observer.

“I had hold of the lead but the harness handle was pulled out my hand.

“A man was pulling on the other dog which tore the lead out my hand.”

“It took what felt like ages to get the other dog off Layla, even though it was probably only five minutes.”

“It was the worst experience of my life.

“I could hear Layla cry and I was powerless to help her.

“All I could do was shout for help.”

An unknown female passerby rushed to Charlotte’s aid and the police were called to the scene.

Charlotte eventually managed to catch Layla after she had run scared from the scene, only for the dog to lie down by her side, shaking – a sign of shock.

Luckily Layla only suffered some grazes and scratches – her Guide Dog harness protecting her from sustaining worse injuries.

Now, Charlotte says Layla has ‘lost confidence’ since the attack and said she is scared to venture into Coventry city centre again for fear of another attack.

But she hopes this horrific attack will serve as a lesson to Coventry dog owners about the importance of responsible dog ownership, particularly around guide dogs.

She explained: “People often let their dogs run loose or on so-called ‘flex’ or extendable leads which gives their humans no control so if a dog gets upset by something its too late.

“Many dog owners do not put muzzles on their dog when they are out, which they should do if there is any risk at all for anyone’s safety.

“And a lot of people do not know if their dog is scared of high vis – one of the top reasons why dogs attack guide dogs.

“Believe me, the worst sound in the world is the cries of pain from your best friend and being unable to do anything.

“But, sadly, attacks like this happen to a lot of guide dogs.

“We need to educate people on the risks of attacks and how they affect guide dogs.”

A spokesperson from West Midlands Police has said the dog responsible for the attack has been seized and an investigation has been launched.

Robert Jinks, Community Engagement Officer at Guide Dogs UK, said the the charity would do all it can to suporrt Charlotte.

“There are, on average, 11 attacks on guide dogs each month and nearly all of them are in public areas.

“We are encouraging the public to be aware of their dogs and be mindful of guide dogs.

“After all, a guide dog is an aid for a visually impaired person, and an attack on the dog is really an attack on that person’s mobility and ability to live their life.”

Man arrested after attack on guide dog in Coventry city centre

A man has been arrested after a guide dog was attacked by another dog in Coventry city centre.

Layla the Labrador was helping Charlotte Nickson on a visit to Sainsbury’s when she was set upon by a Staffordshire bull terrier.

Layla suffered cuts to her face in the attack on the afternoon of Sunday, August 7.

A 30-year-old man has now been arrested on suspicion of being in charge of a dangerous dog which caused injury to an assistance dog.

He has been bailed pending further inquiries.

The Staffordshire bull terrier has been seized by officers who have also viewed CCTV from the area.

Describing the moment the attack happened, Charlotte, who is partially sighted mainly due to albinism, said: “We were walking to Sainsbury’s when there was a movement to my left and a dark-coloured Staffy was on Layla’s face.

“I felt Layla move, pushing me back, then there was this dreadful noise.

“The dog was pulling Layla’s face and had locked on.

“Layla was trying to pull away. I had hold of the lead but the harness handle was pulled out my hand.

“A man was pulling on the other dog which tore the lead out my hand.

“It took what felt like ages to get the other dog off, but was probably about five minutes.

“Layla made it so I could not get bitten.

“When the dog was off her, Layla ran a round a bit and I had to catch her again by whistling as she was scared.

“When she found me she lay down next to me and shook. This is a sign of shock.”

Dog owner fined just £45 for Coventry city centre guide dog attack

A man who admitted being in charge of an out of control dog which attacked a guide dog in Coventry city centre has been fined just £45.

Layla the Labrador was helping Charlotte Nickson on a visit to Sainsbury’s when she was set upon by a Staffordshire bull terrier which latched on to her face.

The guide dog suffered a number of cuts and was left shaking with fear following the attack on Sunday, August 7.

Police initially arrested Brian Devoisey, of Ridgethorpe, Willenhall, and he was bailed while investigations took place.

He was eventually charged with being in charge of a dangerous dog which caused injury to an assistance dog and appeared at Coventry Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.

The 30-year-old pleaded guilty to the charge and was given a £45 fine, as well as having to pay £100 compensation to Charlotte, who is partially sighted mainly due to albinism, and £50 court costs.

The maximum sentence for the offence is three years in prison on top of a fine and/or compensation.

Courts also have the power to disqualify owners from keeping dogs.

Blind woman blasts "outrageous" punishment handed to devil dog owner

A blind woman has slammed the decision to fine the owner of a Staffordshire bull terrier which attacked her guide dog a measly £45.

Speaking to the Telegraph about the punishment handed to Mr Devoisey, Charlotte said: “It’s just outrageous.

“I am made house-bound and Layla is still traumatised by the sight of small dogs, and he gets a fine of £45.

“Layla will cost Guide Dogs £50,000 over the course of her lifetime and is my freedom and the only thing keeping me from being house-bound.

“Without her I cannot go to work or anything. This is not really good enough.”