A 71-YEAR-OLD woman was injured after being knocked over and bitten by a dog at a Weymouth beauty spot.

Police are keen to trace the owner of the dog, thought to be a Doberman, who made off from the scene.

Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, which has launched a consultation on dog orders which restrict where people can take their pets, is urging dog owners to be responsible.

Police – who are appealing for witnesses – said a 71-year-old local woman was walking along the beach close to Castle Cove Sailing Club off Old Castle Road when she was attacked.

The dog 'charged' at her, which knocked her over, and then bit her right arm.

She was left shocked and with minor cuts and bruising.

The owner of the dog, who is described as in her 30s, around 5ft 5ins tall, of slim build with shoulder length dark hair with red streaks in it, left the beach without exchanging details with the victim.

Officers said the dog is believed to be a Doberman and is described as around three feet tall, young and athletic looking, with short light brown hair. It is believed the dog owner was also walking with another woman who had a similar breed of dog at the time of the incident, which happened at around 4pm last Thursday.

PC Jim Vincent of Weymouth police said: “I am appealing to anyone who witnessed this incident to please get in contact.

“I am particularly keen to identify the owner of the dog and would urge anyone who recognises the description of the woman to call 101."

Borough council community safety spokesman Francis Drake backed the police appeal.

He added: “We need to find out who this dog belongs to and if there are any witnesses.”

Anyone with information should call Dorset Police on 101, quoting incident number 24:96.

*Figures obtained by the Echo reveal that between April 1, 2014 and May 1, 2015, 196 dog-related attacks on people across the county were reported to Dorset Police.

During the same time period, there was also four reports of dogs attacking livestock.

Dog attacks in Weymouth this year included a teenage boy being treated in hospital after being bitten by a collie near Weymouth train station in April.

A man also had to go to hospital after being attacked by a Staffordshire Bull Terrier in Wyke Regis in February. Earlier the same month a man was attacked by a Staffy on Portland.

 

COUNCILS want to promote responsible dog ownership in Weymouth, Portland and West Dorset.

This includes owners tidying up after their pets, keeping them under control, not leaving them in hot cars and ensuring they are identified. Microchipping is strongly advised.

The call has been made as the summer season gets underway when many are set to enjoy time outdoors with their pets The safety of other dogs, dog owners and members of the public is 'crucial' when exercising dogs, authorities say. Councils can take action in serious cases of dog-on-dog attacks and if a dog attacks a person the police will then be involved.

Borough councillor for Preston Cllr James Farquharson said: “When campaigning before the election, dog fouling was the issue most frequently mentioned to me by residents. People not picking up after their pets demonstrates a shocking lack of care for their neighbours. I’m delighted the council is focussing on improving the situation.

"I’d urge everyone to provide information when they see someone failing to manage their dogs properly so the dog warden can take action. An increased rate of enforcement will deliver the message that this behaviour will no longer be tolerated in Weymouth.”

West Dorset community safety spokesman Alan Thacker added: “Our Dog Wardens work hard to patrol the area but can only be in one place at a time.

“I would like to urge the public to report those who are letting responsible dog owners and the community down to the Environmental Health Team.”

The public can contact the district and borough environmental health team by email at env.health@westdorset-weymouth.gov.uk or call 01305 251010.