The drama unfolded when Andrea Berzen walked her two dogs on 14 August in Huddle Park.
Her two dogs named Sammy, a Rough Collie and Sebastian, a dachshund cross spaniel, were off their leads. They met up with the owner of two rottweilers, Ronin and Jinx, who were also off their leads.
According to Berzen, upon meeting in the park, the situation got out of hand and the dogs began to fight. Berzen tried to separate the dogs and was bitten as a result. Afterwards it was noticed that Sammy had sustained serious abdominal injuries. Sammy was taken to the vet and had to undergo surgery.
Berzen said, “I take full responsibility for my dogs when they are not on their leads, however they have never had a problem before as they are socialised. As dog walkers, there are implicit norms where it is acceptable to have your dog off their leads if they are socialised.”
The second incident involving the rottweilers occured on 28 March in Huddle Park. A Boston Terrier called Molly, and owned by Sharene Sternberg, was injured as a result of an altercation between the animals.
Sternberg said, “Molly was injured as a result of the two rottweilers. I would like to issue a warning out to the public as the owner of the two rottweilers has been involved in another attack. Huddle Park has handled the situation well by banning the owner of the rottweilers. This should encourage dog walkers to use Huddle Park and feel safe.”
According to Sternberg, the owner of the rottweilers neglected the incident, proceeded to leave the park and no-one has been able to contact her. Huddle Park has banned the owner of the rottweilers as a result of the attacks.
Sternberg added, “We have tried to contact the owner of the rottweilers, however it appears that she may have emigrated to Europe.”
The owner of the rottweilers was unavailable for comment before time of publishing.
