Dog Attack on Nicola Dalby, aged 9

[Neal]

We would like to wish Nicola Dalby and her family from Whitefield Street, Hapton all the best in her recovery after being attacked by a Bull Mastiff dog.

The dog apparently lunged at her face when she went to stroke it resulting in 13 stitches, a large scar and obvious trauma. The bite then became infected meaning she then had to travel to Royal Blackburn Hospital.

Police are looking to prosecute the dog owner under the "Dangerous Dogs Act 1871".

This is another thing that worries me as a parent. If it's not traffic it's dangerous dogs. I used to live on Coultate Street, Burnley and someone had a dog that was vicious and even bit my neighbour as they let it roam on it's own all the time. It was reported to the Police and the Council, and NOTHING was done about it even though there were witnesses and photographic and medical evidence! They only take action when it's too late.

[Sweetpea]

That's nasty, but she really should have been taught not to approach strange dog's. It is also unusual as bull mastiff's, while huge, are usually big teddy bears. I was bitten myself at the age of 5 by my own dog, resulting in six stitches to my face. But, I had been teasing him. I never told on him, said I had fell on a glass ash tray, and pete never bit me again. I loved that dog!

[Neal]

A lot of the time it comes down to the Owner. If you can't train or teach a dog as you can't be bothered or do not have the time, you should not be allowed one.

All dogs will behave well when taught properly. They are just like children.

[Sweetpea]

My dog, the one that bit me, was a rescue dog. And I totally agree with what you say. I have since owned two German Shepherds. People used to stop me in the street to congratulate me on how well trained they were.