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An aggressive dog that attacked a 'friendly and sociable' family pet needed four adults to dislodge its jaw from its victim.

The family dog, a 22-month-old wheaten terrier named Lemmy, was left with a two-inch deep neck wound and needed surgery.

Lemmy was attacked mostly by a grey Staffordshire bull terrier, but a black staffy was also involved, both dogs thought to belong to the same owner.

The incident happened at 11am on Sunday, near Pwll Du Beach in Swansea , but other dog owners have reported similar incidents involving two staffy-type animals in the area.

(Image: Maria Morris)

Lemmy's Owner, Maria Morris, 56, from Three Crosses, said she realised Lemmy was in danger when her son, Tom Morris, 26, saw him running towards the two staffies on a family outing.

"The owner of those dogs said ‘keep him away from my dogs’," she said.

Mrs Morris, her husband, their son and the owner of the two staffies all intervened to save Lemmy.

She said she knew their actions were risky, but the family acted out of fear and instinct to save their pet.

"The silver dog seemed more aggressive, but when the black dog pulled away, I also noticed blood and flesh in its mouth.

"Lemmy was crying all night after the attack. The next morning, the vet found that his skin had been detached from the muscle," Mrs Morris recalled.

"He is the most gorgeous dog but very nervous since the attack, having to regain his trust."

The law on dangerous dogs

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The vet inserted a drain under Lemmy's skin, to prevent the wound from building up with fluid.

Though Mrs Morris reported the attack to the police, she said they did not class it as criminal.

According to Gov.uk , it is against the law to let a dog be dangerously out of control anywhere.

It also states that a court can decide if a dog is dangerously out of control if it attacks someone’s animal.

(Image: Maria Morris)

An RSPCA spokesperson said: “Owners have a responsibility to ensure dogs are under proper control at all times.



“Every dog has the ability to attack if they believe the circumstances warrant it - but most dogs will give plenty of warning that they are going to do this, or bite.



“It’s therefore vital owners understand the circumstances likely to lead to their dog being aggressive and also the signs of potential aggressive behaviour in their dogs, and how to respond.

"Keeping dogs on a lead in appropriate places can also reduce the risk of incidents associated with aggressive behaviours.



“We urge anyone with concerns about aggressive dogs to contact a properly qualified professional behaviourist with the appropriate knowledge, skills and experience, for help and advice.



“If your dog is attacked by another dog, we advise you to report this to the police.”