Disabled woman and her puppy attacked by out-of-control dogs in horror Torquay attack

A woman and her 11-month-old puppy were attacked by two out of control dogs outside a block of flats in Torquay - with the shocking incident being caught on camera

Horrifying images have emerged showing a woman and her tiny puppy being attacked by two out-of-control dogs.

The disabled owner was walking her 11-month old shih-tzu named Salvatore through the car park, near a block of flats in Torquay. A large brown dog suddenly appeared and "grabbed hold of Salvatore by the head", according to court reports. This dog, a standard Bully named Boss, was soon joined by a smaller Staffordshire bull terrier which also sunk its teeth into the small pup.

The terrifying ordeal, which resulted in serious injuries for both Salvatore and his owner, was partially caught on video from the flats. The footage shows the chaos, barking and screaming as the two larger dogs went on the attack. The attacking dogs were owned by neighbours Jane and Susan Potter.

The mother and daughter duo, aged 55 and 28, appeared at Exeter Crown Court to face charges of owning and being in charge of dogs that were dangerously out of control in a public place and caused injury. Both women pleaded guilty and were each handed a community order with rehabilitation days.

Garth Richardson, the prosecutor, revealed that the incident occurred on the afternoon of December 15. He described how the puppy, an assistance dog for its disabled owner, was innocently sniffing around when a large dog suddenly bounded over. Initially, the victim believed the dog to be an XL Bully, but subsequent tests identified it as a standard Bully owned by Jane Potter. The Bully, named Boss, instantly seized the small dog, causing it to yelp in pain.

A second dog, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier named Lola owned by Susan Potter, then joined the fray, grabbing the puppy, Salvatore, from behind. In a desperate attempt to protect her pet, the owner lifted Salvatore above her head, away from the larger dogs' jaws.

"Both the dogs continued jumping up to her dog. Then both dogs proceeded to bite the owner," Mr Richardson detailed. Her cries attracted the attention of Susan Potter, who rushed to the scene to assist. Jane Potter also arrived, but it wasn't until two other bystanders intervened that the chaos stopped.

The owner of Salvatore sustained numerous injuries, including bites and scratches to her hands, thighs, and arms. Salvatore was rushed to the vet, requiring surgery and stitches to mend multiple wounds where his flesh had been ripped apart. The veterinary bill amounted to nearly £1,500.

The police confiscated both dogs. Boss was eventually returned to Jane Potter, who received a stern warning and advice from the police about controlling her dog. Boss is now subject to a dog control order, ensuring it is kept on a lead and muzzled.

Jane Potter from Tramways, Torquay, explained that Boss was a rescue dog she acquired from a friend. She elaborated on the sequence of events: on the fateful day, she had to step out, leaving her mother in charge, who unintentionally let the dog out while attending to the rubbish bins.

She assured that there had been no previous incidents of this nature, affirming the dog is now both microchipped and insured. Lola died after becoming unwell in police kennels, the court was told. Susan Potter from Higher Furzeham Road, Brixham conceded her lapse in judgment for not supervising the dogs, but described it as a "momentary lapse of attention."

Both women facing charges lacked any related former convictions. The distressed victim shared her ordeal, stating: "The feeling of two dogs trying to drag me to the ground and hearing my dog scream in pain was horrendous and something I'll never forget."

She recounted sightings of the dogs unsupervised in the shared area of her building, decrying their owner's lack of responsibility.

Judge Neil Davey KC expressed understanding towards the plaintiff - Salvatore's owner, who feared her pet would be torn apart by the attacking dogs. As the larger canines clamped onto her puppy during this frightful encounter, Judge Davey recognised that although such an incident could not have been predicted due to a lack of precedent, the consequent injuries remained serious and emotionally taxing.

Both accused were handed an 18-month community resolution with a mandatory rehabilitation component extending for 20 days. Because of her mental health considerations, Jane Potter received an additional sentence involving a specialised 27-day programme.