MADAM,

I’m hoping you will publish this correspondence to help prevent anyone else from getting hurt in the future.

On Thursday 11th October at 5.30pm I was jogging on Offa’s Dyke Footpath through the woods and up the hill from Watery Lane, Monmouth in the direction of The Hendre.

When I got to the top of the hill next to the bench and footpath signs I noticed six dogs of different breeds with no lead or owner in close proximity. They immediately ran towards me and already seemed quite frenzied, but although I tried to take evasive action by swerving around them they attacked me by jumping on me and biting and clawing my legs. I received a couple of bites and puncture wounds to my legs caused by the dogs’ teeth, but my momentum got me away. The male and female dog owners were further down the hill, but at this point shouted to the dogs to try and restrain them from causing further damage. The male owner quipped “sorry mate” at this point as I passed, but I knew that I had to keep moving away from the dogs to prevent further attacks so I didn’t hang around. It was apparent at this point that the open wound on my leg was bleeding and the surrounding muck needed be cleaned so I had to return home quickly. Unfortunately, the dogs were blocking my path so I had to choose an alternative but longer path back. Unfortunately the dogs were still running wild and had spread out at this point and two of them headed for me again so I tried to ward them off by shouting. The male owner again belately summoned them back and fortunately it gave me the time to pass to head home.

After applying antiseptic I was able to receive medical attention quickly and even though my Tetanus vaccination was up-to-date I was told I must immediately start prescribed antibiotics to fight the infections in my leg punctures from the bacteria carried by dog’s teeth and nails. No major arteries were perforated, so hopefully the infection will be curtailed and the only long-term effect will be a couple of scars.

One of the dogs appeared to be a white faced border collie, but none of them were large on this occasion. The current concern is that even though the footpaths are enjoyed by a variety of responsible users such as walkers, runners and cyclists many of whom are either on their own or are possibly a more vulnerable member of society such as a primary school-age child or senior citizen. I have seen many families enjoy this path and if it was a five-year-old child stumbling ahead on the brow of the hill who had encountered these dogs, or if larger dogs set upon a less able-bodied adult, then there could be grave consequences.

All dog owners need to be considerate of other users and the wild animals that inhabit these woods. The deer might be relatively larger than most dogs, but they are often harassed by dogs let off their leads by negligent dog owners.

It is difficult to be ‘in control’ of one dog when it is off the lead never mind multiple dogs. In terms of perspective, there was a case in Teesside in 2014 where an innocent 73—year-old woman was repeatedly attacked by a police dog on duty even after it was put on a lead. The woman later died. If a trained police handler can’t control one ‘trained’ dog who he is solely responsible for, it is not possible for a couple of casual dog walkers to be ‘in control’ of six frenzied dogs off leads in the middle of the woods. Incidentally, dogs who previously attacked humans are likely to do so again in the future; the police dog had previously bitten 11 people on separate occasions.

Whilst out running and walking, dogs have jumped on my back and chest before and I have been nipped around the ankles without an owner in sight, but no actual wounds. Being coated in mud and scent shed by dogs is commonplace, but still unnerving. Taking a passive wide berth is clearly not enough. Should one strike dogs as they leap just in case it isn’t a friendly hello because it is too late when they bite? Dog owners often claim that their pet won’t bite, until they actually do so it is baseless sentiment. At least if there is only one dog off a lead it is a lot easier to focus your defence on the one animal. Attacks by dogs on public footpaths in daylight hours should not occur and a “sorry mate” is too little, too late.

So at a time when people are being encouraged to connect with the landscape for their physical and mental wellbeing, the prospect of dangerous dogs will prevent people from gaining the benefits of the Monmouthshire countryside. This is in addition to disrespectful dog-fouling and hazardous motorbikes/scramblers which might soon make these popular public paths no-go areas for sensible, safety-conscious and law-abiding people.

I am fully aware that not all dog-owners are irresponsible or inconsiderate, and many of them appear to be vigilant and considerate at times when their dog(s) could pose a risk to others.

I hope on sharing my experience members of the public will be more aware of the dangers present and certain dog walkers will change their ways. Decent dog owners know when to restrain their dogs whilst local authorities can make leads a requirement on specific paths if need be so don’t let the actions of some spoil it for all. The benefits of dogs to their owners is well documented, but this should never be to the detriment of others. The countryside is there for everyone to enjoy.

This incident has been reported to Gwent Police. Gwent Police advised that if anyone encounters dogs that pose an immediate danger they should dial 999. My advice is to always bring a mobile phone device with you, ideally with camera capabilities for evidence.

Mr T Gunn

(Monmouth)