A 73-year-old man who fought off an assault by a pitbull terrier is looking for tighter controls on dogs at a Tunbridge Wells park.
Malcolm Flanagan has spoken out following the incident in Dunorlan Park final week, and fears somebody can be critically injured or killed if measures aren’t enforced to regulate harmful dogs.
Mr Flanagan says he was walking within the park on Thursday, June 22, when he noticed a pitbull racing in direction of him.
“It came charging down the field,” he recalled. “I saw it from 100 yards away, and then realised it was coming towards me at speed. At 50 yards I realised the shape and size of it, and realised it was a pitbull. I didn’t want to run because I didn’t want to be attacked from behind and knocked on the floor.”
Having realised the canine was intent on attacking him, he turned to aim to face it down, but it surely leapt at him and tried to chunk him.
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“It jumped at me and I punched it a couple of times,” added Mr Flanagan. “By this time it was an all-out attack. When it came back again I kicked it three times. At some stage I knew I would run out of energy and then it would have the advantage, but then I saw the owner coming down the hill.
“When it came for the fourth time, the owner grabbed it. I asked him who he was and why he had the dog there.
“I said ‘this is a really dangerous situation, if I was an old lady or little kid it could have been a fatality.’
Mr Flanagan said the owner then ran off with the dog, leaving him shaken by the incident.
He then reported it to the police and the council, and believes dog owners should be forced to have their pets on leads at all times in the park.
“Luckily it didn’t manage to lock its teeth on me, because I kept knocking it away,” he added. “It wanted to lock its teeth around my thigh. It’s more the emotional stress – if that guy hadn’t come running what would have happened?
“Pitbulls are supposed to be banned, so that dog shouldn’t have been there anyway. I think this policy by the council is fundamentally flawed.
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“Are parks for people or for dogs? Some people use it a lot but where are they going to go? It was very dangerous and frightening.”
News of the assault comes as Kent Police reminded canine homeowners of their tasks, following a spate of comparable incidents – and a predicted rise in assaults in the course of the summer season months.
In 2022 there have been 98 assaults reported in July, with simply 44 in February the identical 12 months – however up to now this 12 months May has seen 124 reported incidents together with canine bites and dog-on-dog assaults, with 44 reported within the early half of June, till June 12.
Reflecting on his expertise, Mr Flanagan mentioned it was solely a matter of time earlier than somebody was critically harm at Dunorlan Park.
“What is the solution?” he added. “Park walkers could arm themselves with tasers or guns perhaps. Better still change the by-law allowing dogs off the leash in that area. And fine and imprison the law breakers.
“Parks are for gentle people to relax — and not for dangerous dogs to attack humans. Every time you see a pit bull remember they are potential killers. Why would you wish to own an animal like that.”
An announcement from Kent Police confirmed they have been investigating the assault, including: “The incident happened at around 1.15pm on Thursday June 22 when a dog, described as a pit bull terrier-type, is alleged to have run over to the victim and bitten his thigh.
“The owner, who was white with a beard and wearing a green t-shirt and shorts, came across and retrieved the dog. He left the scene towards a car park and officers are completing enquiries to identify him.
“Witnesses and anyone with information that may assist the investigation is urged to call the west Kent appeal line on 01622 604100, quoting 46/113150/23.”
