POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a dog attack in Weymouth left a man having to go to hospital for treatment. 

The incident happened between 8.30am and 8.40am on Tuesday, February 17. 

It's the second dog attack to have happened in the Weymouth and Portland area in the past month, both of which have involved Staffordshire Bull Terriers.

Earlier this month, two Staffordshire Bull Terriers injured a 74-year-old man on Portland whilst he was walking his three dogs.

On this occasion, the victim was walking his small dog along Sandpiper Way near to Wellworthy’s Social Club in Wyke Regis.

A dog, described as a young white coloured Staffordshire Bull Terrier, with a few scars on its nose, approached the victim’s dog and went to attack it.

The victim intervened and dragged the Staffordshire Bull Terrier away by the collar.

Whilst this occurred, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier bolted and ripped the victim’s middle right finger nail off. 

The victim went to hospital for treatment of his injuries. Neither dog was injured.

The dog's owner is described as a white woman, aged in her mid to late 40s, approximately five feet five inches tall and with shoulder-length blonde hair.

Police Constable Neil Fitch, 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 Staffy dog and would urge anyone who recognises a woman matching the description to please get in contact. I believe this woman may live in the Dumbarton Road area and I would like to speak with her.

“All calls will be treated in strict confidence.”

Cllr Mike Goodman, briefholder for community safety at Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, said: "The only thing I can do is invite people to assist the police. Dog owners must take some control of their dogs at all times.

"The white Staffy shouldn't have been wandering around unattended."

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101, quoting incident number 18:134.

Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.