ALSATIAN’S SAVAGE ATTACK

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 86, 5 January 1935, Page 13

ALSATIAN’S SAVAGE ATTACK

Woman Severely Injured NEIGHBOURS’ TIMELY ASSISTANCE By Telegraph.—Press Association. Auckland, January 3. Savagely attacked by a full-grown Alsatian dog which had been a pet in the home for about two years, Mrs. Ida Tailentire, aged 30, wife of Joseph Tallentire, storekeeper, of Panmure, was severely bitten about the chest and on the Tight forearm. Mrs. Tallentire fought with the infuriated animal for fully five minutes, the struggle being ended by two neighbours, Mr. J. W. North and his son, Mr. W. North, who choked the dog into submission with a rope and then shot it. Mrs. Armstrong, of Auckland, Mrs. Tailentire’s mother, was the only other occupant of the house at the time, Mr. Tailentire being absent. The vicious attack by the dog occurred shortly after its mistress had given the animal its evening meal. Early in the afternoon o-f the same day it had made an attempt Io attack Mrs. Tallentire. The dog had gripped her right arm, but it had been thrown ofli before any injury had .occurred. Dog’s Evening Meal. During the afternoon Mrs. Armstrong played with the dog on the lawn and it had been quite friendly. “Shortly before 10 o’clock my daughter gave the dog its evening meal in the kitchen,” said Mrs. Amstrong. “It ate most of the food and prowled around for a short time. Then with a savage growl it sprang at my daughter. She screamed as the animal sank its teeth into her right arm and pulled her to the floor. I seized a broom with the intention of striking the dog, but I feared this action would only infuriate it. Throwing open the back door, I ran to the main road calling for help.” At this stage Mrs. Armstrong said both Mr. J. W. North and Mr. W. North came to her daughter’s assistance. By the time she had secured a piece of rope her daughter and the dog were in the backyard. The animal had either dragged her from the kitchen or else it had backed out, while Mrs. Tallentire fought to hold it by its throat. After the dog had been shot, Mrs. Tallentire was helped indoors and a doctor was summoned. But for the timely arrival of Mr. North and his son, Mrs. Armstrong considers her daughter’s injuries would have been far more serious. Jaws Smeared With Blood. “When we arrived,” said Mr. North, sen., “Mrs. Tallentire was on her knees holding on to the dog’s throat. She called, ‘l’m done.’ The Alsatian was growling and snarling savagely, and straining to break forward. His jaws and face were smeared with blood from Mrs. Tailentire’s wounds. After choking the dog with a rope, my son held him while I ran for my shotgun and cartridges. We dragged the dog, which was infuriated, to a partly-closed yard gate and shot him.” Mr. Tailentire said he was at a loss to account for the dog’s behaviour. The animal, which was about five years old, had accompanied his master daily in his delivery truck for almost two years, and had never displayed temper. Residents had often commented bn the dog’s quiet nature. “Why he should attack Mrs. Tallentire,” he said, “is beyond explanation, as the dog was extraordinarily fond of her. All his meals were served by Mrs. Tailentire and I don’t suppose I have fed him half a dozen times in the past two years. I somehow think he must have had a fit or something came over him suddenly.” The condition of Mrs. Tallentire, who was removed io a private hospital, was reported to be satisfactory. It is thought it will be about a week before she is able to return to her home.