Narre Warren resident Duncan Townsend is still recovering from a dog bite in September.
By Callan Date
DUNCAN Townsend says he is living a constant nightmare.
The Narre Warren man said he was still suffering after being bitten by a pit bull terrier while walking near his house in September.
The physical scars are a long way from healing and the mental ones are just as bad, according to Mr Townsend.
The 63-year-old believes he is lucky to still have his left arm after being mauled by the unregistered dog while walking his own pet.
“It bit me right down to the bone,” he said.
“I needed about 20 stitches and several operations after the attack.
“The surgeon said I was lucky that I fell to the ground ‘cause they said the dog would have pulled my arm off if I was still standing.”
Numerous medical appointments later and the problem is still not fixed, Mr Townsend says.
“They (doctors) have said it could take up to a year to repair itself. I’m on constant medication and have had to see a psychologist,” he said.
Mr Townsend said he had spoken out about the attack in the hope his story reinforces how important it is for dog owners to keep their animals restrained.
“They have got to be on the lead at all times,” he said.
“Owners have to be more responsible. I was just walking in the street when I was attacked.”
Mr Townsend said he was also concerned about how Casey Council handled the situation and the lack of communication after the attack.
Casey manager of customer service Rob Colling said the dog had been put down after the incident.
“The City of Casey investigates all alleged dog attacks and where there is sufficient evidence found, action is taken against the dog owner,” Mr Colling said.
“Following discussions with the owners, the dog was subsequently euthanased.”
Casey Council also confirmed the dog’s owner was issued with a failure to register and a wandering at large fine.
