'Traumatising' attack on Pomeranian going for walk in Hastings

Maree Fraser and pomeranian Roxy recovering at home on Wednesday after being attacked by two German shepherds last Thursday. Photo / Warren Buckland

A "traumatising" attack by two German shepherds on a pomeranian in Hastings has prompted its owner to declare that the dog will never again be walked outside her property.

Maree Fraser was "heartbroken" when her small dog was attacked and wants to urge owners of large dogs to keep them under control.

Her son was walking their nearly 5-year-old pomeranian dog, Roxy, on a leash in Frimley last Thursday when two German shepherds bolted out of what she described as a hole in the fence and attacked Roxy "for no reason".

She said Roxy suffered several puncture wounds, had blood all around her throat, bruising and her skin was torn from her muscle.

At the vet's she was shaved, underwent surgery on Friday morning, had a feeding tube, had drains put in and wounds stitched and was given medication during her stay until Tuesday.

The German shepherds' owners pulled the dogs off Roxy, offered to take her to the vet and have offered to pay the bill.

Roxy suffered a number of wounds and bruising. Photo / Warren Buckland

But Fraser wants to warn other dog owners of what can happen and urges those with big dogs to keep them contained, trained and on strong leashes when out.

"This isn't good enough. Our little dog was doing nothing, she loves going for a walk."

It was the first time her son had taken Roxy for a walk and Fraser said the incident left him "really, really traumatised for a couple of days".

"When we went to see her on Friday he just broke down in tears.

"She was all drugged up and it was really just heartbreaking to see her like that ... I couldn't stop crying.

"We've just been trying to pull together as a family."

The family adopted Roxy about two years ago when her then owners no longer wanted her.

Fraser said Roxy is a gentle dog with a "beautiful" personality.

The family is now too scared to walk her again and will be exercising her in their yard instead.

"We will take her out in the car but never walking again.

"Roxy loved her walks but now because of those two vicious dogs she has to miss out. You never know where they are, it's just safer for her at home."

SPCA scientific officer Dr Alison Vaughan said all dogs from the smallest to the largest have the potential to bite, but it is more likely with dogs that have not been well socialised.

"It's important to give a puppy positive introductions to a range of people and other animals they may encounter later in life, to help them to grow up to be a well-adjusted adult dog and reduce the risk of behaviour problems developing.

"All dog owners are responsible for ensuring their dogs are under control at all times.

"Make sure you know where your dog is at all times and you have them under control whether that's on a leash, in a fenced yard or inside your home."