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Father nearly misses daughter’s funeral, after being “ripped apart” by Japanese Akita dog outside her house (18 August 2014)

Date: 18/08/2014
Duncan Lewis, Personal Injury Solicitors, Father nearly misses daughter’s funeral, after being “ripped apart” by Japanese Akita dog outside her house

A retired teacher nearly missed his own daughter’s funeral after a Japanese Akita dog – who belonged to his late daughter’s former partner – launched a vicious attack on him before the funeral.

The Mail reports that 76-year-old John Onyett had his arms and legs ripped open by the dog outside the Leeds house where his late daughter used to live. He was saved from further injury by the actions of neighbours who came to his rescue – one neighbour kept the dog at bay using a garden fork until police arrived.

But Mr Onyett – a keen violinist – feared he might lose his fingers in the dog attack.

He was hospitalised and also feared that he might not be able to attend his daughter’s funeral. He spent one week in hospital while surgeons operated to repair the wounds left by the dog attack. Leeds Royal Infirmary allowed him to leave temporarily so that he could attend his daughter’s funeral.

Because the attack took place outside his later daughter’s house on private land, the matter is considered a civil one and police have not arrested the owner of the dog.

The law is, however, due to be changed, which would make dog attacks on private property a criminal offence under the Dangerous Dogs Act.

The Akita dog which attacked Mr Onyett is due to be destroyed.

He told The Mail on Sunday:

“I don't remember a lot – only feeling like my arm was going to be ripped off and being in terrible pain.
“If it had been a child, I've no doubt their arm would have come straight off. I play the violin and I was terrified of losing my fingers.

“I was so upset that I might have to miss the funeral because of what happened.”

Mr Onyett – a grandfather of eight – is calling for dog owners to be licensed. Currently dogs have to be licensed but anyone can buy or own a dog, unless they are banned from keeping a dog after being found guilty of cruelty or keeping a dangerous dog.

Mr Onyett said:

“A dog isn't inherently dangerous – it's all to do with the way it is treated. There has to be some form of control.

“It was horrendous – I literally didn't know what to do.

“Every time I moved my arm, the dog bit harder. The more frantic I got, the more excited the dog became.”

West Yorkshire Police confirmed to the Mail that the Akita which attacked Mr Onyett is due to be destroyed.

Duncan Lewis Personal Injury Solicitors – Animal Attacks & Dog Bite Compensation Claims

Duncan Lewis is a leading firm of personal injury solicitors and can advise those injured in Animal Attacks or as a result of dog attacks on how to make a no win no fee claim for compensation – including advice on making a compensation claim if you were attacked by an animal or dog on private property or land.

Personal Injury Claimants usually have three years from the date of injury in which to make a no win no fee compensation claim – children have up to three years after the age of 18 in which to make a claim.

For expert legal advice on no win no fee compensation claims for Animal Attacks or Dog Bite Compensation Claims, call Duncan Lewis personal injury solicitors on 020 7923 4020.


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