Guide dog attacked in Cricklewood subway (From Times Series)

Blind woman left terrified after attack on guide dog in Cricklewood

3:16pm Thursday 19th November 2009 in News By Alex Hayes

A GUIDE dog was savagely attacked by a terrier as its blind owner walked through the underpass at Cricklewood station.

The chocolate Labrador suffered a deep puncture wound to the neck during the mauling on October 4 and is still receiving treatment from vets.

Now British Transport Police have released CCTV image of a man they believe was the owner of the “muscular terrier”.

The 57-year-old blind owner was walking with the dog through the underpass at about 1.30pm when the other dog, which had been with a man loitering at the entrance at the other end, attacked.

Detective Constable Gerry Griffin said: ““This dog was not muzzled and was dangerously out of control. The woman was extremely distressed and feared for own safety.

“What made this awful incident even more harrowing was the fact that the man made no effort to assist her or to check that she was alright once the attack was over.”

The man had to punch and kick his dog before it would release the neck of the guide dog and ran off with it in the direction of Lichfield Road.

DC Griffin added: ““We have carried out a number of local enquiries and ask that anyone who recognises the man gets in contact with us.”

“The owner would do well to hand himself in as his animal poses a clear danger to other dogs and to the public.”

The owner is described as white, aged mid to late twenties and around 5ft 11ins tall, of slim build with a cropped beard, short brownish to red hair and was wearing a grey- coloured top and black tracksuit bottoms.

The dog is described as a muscular terrier, possibly a cross-breed, brown with white paws, white around its nose and at the tip of its tail.

Anyone with information can contact the BTP on 0800 40 50 40, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.