A guide dog has been forced into retirement after its blind owner was bitten trying to protect it from an out-of-control dog during an attack in Newport earlier this year.
Michel Grossnickel, 66, of Chestnut Close in Ventnor, admitted owner/person in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury and owner/person in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury to assistance dog when he appeared at the Isle of Wight Magistrates Court earlier today (Friday).
Prosecuting, Serena Edwards, told the court that on the 17th January, a woman – registered blind – and her assistance dog were walking along Fieldfare Road in Newport when they heard a male shout ‘Izzy’ in what was described in court as an ‘urgent and panicked’ voice.
Having stopped, the woman heard Izzy snarl, growl and bark as she approached her and assistance dog Mocha. In fear, Mocha laucnhed a warning bark towards Izzy, but she kept coming forward, court heard.
The victim used herself to shield the 2 dogs from one another but sustained a bite from Izzy on her ankle and then again on her right foot. Court heard how one of the bites ‘latched onto’ her leg with the victim feeling Izzy’s teeth ‘sink into her skin’.
A witness rushed to help the victim, taking her into their house where she was given a temporary dressing before a family member arrived and took her to St Mary’s Hospital.
Court heard that the victim suffered bruising to her ankle and foot as well as torn skin on her shin. She was also given a tetanus jab and a course of antibiotics.
Mocha was checked out by vets after the victim sought guidance from Guide Dogs UK where it was determined that her injuries were not severe.
Sadly, Mocha was retired by Guide Dogs UK following the incident. The victim is now waiting for another assistance dog to be trained, however this could take up to 18-months.
Defending himself, Mr Grossnickel said that he was “very remorseful” and that it was always a sad thing “when a dog attacks”. He went on to add that Izzy had originally come from China and that she was always walked with a lead and harness on – even in the car. On the day in question, when he had taken Izzy out of the car he wasn’t aware that her harness had broken until she was running off ahead of him “in a flash”. Mr Grossnickel said that since the incident he only walks Izzy with a new harness and leather muzzle on.
Magistrates opted to adjourn the hearing to allow a pre-sentence report to be compiled. Grossnickel will next appear at the Isle of Wight Magistrates Court on 29th September.
What a load of crap , he probably never kept it on a lead , as we always see these type of people with there dog’s off the lead and don’t give a crap about the rules .
Put the dog down, it’s out of control, it’s only a shame we can’t do the same to the owner !
The dog that attacked should be put down, and the owner should be heavily fined,or imprisoned, better still both.
That sort of thing happens in a country that believes in law and order.
Not very likely on the island.
Plus he should be made to pay for the new guide dog and it’s training. I am so sorry to hear about her guide dog and I hope that she recovers from this.
So many dog owners need vetting, sadly due to a twit
dog owner poor Mocha is now retired unnesseccarily.
Too many dog owners are irresponsible and should not
be allowed to own animals.
This is clearly a dangerous dog, why was it not euthanised? What a traumatic thing for this poor lady to have gone through and her dog. And now she is without a guide dog and having to wait! Awful turn of events.
Please no comments about there are no bad dogs it’s the owner. It’s usually both. Now this poor woman is injured through no fault of her own & her loved dog is also no longer able to offer help to her so she’s limited in the things she can do
Maybe it’s time to put bad dog owners down
now that would seriously reduce the population
making net zero a possibility.
Twits should keep their dogs on a lead, looking at
most dog owners I don’t think they know what a lead is.
The attack must have been terrifying for the victim and her assistance canine. I hope that she received compensation and the guide dog was homed in retirement.
It would be slightly more reassuring if the irresponsible dog owner (Mr Grossnickel) also made a voluntary large donation to Guide Dogs UK.
Fat chance of that happening.
What the fcuk is wrong with this island, so many lawless
dog owners on the island.
All dog owners should be vetted. I saw a couple of twits
today in Ventnot with a dog that looked dangerous
NO MUZZLE on the dog, too be honest I don’t know what looked
more frightening, the dog or the 2 twits with the dog.
Bring back Bobbies on the beat and make the islamd the
safe place it once was.