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.
