An elderly man was left injured after stepping in to protect his dog from an aggressive German Shepherd during a walk through Kew Woods, Southport.
The incident unfolded around 10am on Thursday when the man, believed to be in his 70s, was bitten several times on his wrist. He required hospital treatment but has since returned home to recover.
Dog Turned on Owner After Attack Attempt
According to Merseyside Police, the man had been walking his pet when the German Shepherd lunged at it. In a brave attempt to shield his dog, the elderly man intervened — only for the attacking dog to turn on him instead.
Following the attack, the German Shepherd and its owner, described as a white man also in his 70s, fled the scene via the Dobbie’s garden centre car park nearby.
Police Appeal for Information
Investigations are underway to locate the dog and its owner. Detective Inspector Gavin Mulcahy issued an urgent appeal: “We are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident or knows who the German Shepherd’s owner is to please contact us as a matter of urgency.
“The victim sustained several puncture wounds to his wrist and was in distress. We must find the dog so it cannot harm anyone else.” Anyone with information is urged to contact Merseyside Police immediately.
For more on how quick police action can make a difference in similar cases, read about the recent dog attack in St Andrews where swift intervention led to an arrest.
Rising Concerns Over Dog Attacks
This latest incident comes on the heels of a shocking case in Swindon, where a man in his 50s suffered life-changing injuries following a dog attack on Sunday.
In that case, Wiltshire Police reported that firearms officers had to be deployed after receiving reports of a dog dangerously out of control at a property on Exeter Street around 4:20pm.
The dog involved was sedated and secured. A 24-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of being the owner or person in charge of a dog dangerously out of control, causing injury.
Dog Attack Numbers Continue to Climb
Wider figures reveal a worrying trend. More than 20,000 dog attacks were reported across England and Wales in the year following the February 2024 introduction of the XL Bully ban, under an amendment to the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.
The legislation came in after a surge in fatal dog attacks — 16 deaths recorded in 2023, compared to six the previous year.
Hospital admissions from dog bites also skyrocketed, with over 11,000 cases reported in England during 2023/24.
The attack in Southport serves as another grim reminder of the dangers posed by uncontrolled dogs. As police efforts continue to locate the German Shepherd and its owner, authorities are urging the public to remain cautious and report any dangerous animal behaviour without delay.
