Anger after Wolverhampton dog attack leaves beloved pug needing staples
"We really have to act now."
These are the words of a dog owner who's launched an appeal to get pets on leads in city centres after her beloved pet Gucci was seriously injured in an attack.
Perita Roumeliotis-Innis was walking two-year-old Gucci when he was mauled by what she describes as a Pitbull/Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross in Pipers Row, Wolverhampton, at around 11.30am on April 9.
Gucci suffered injuries to his neck, leg, eye, ears and body and has been receiving treatment from a vet in the days since.
Perita, 47, who owns Smoking and Vaping Accessories in Queen Street, said she and Gucci were walking back towards her shop from their regular walk when the attack happened outside Costa Coffee.
She said many people witnessed the attack, including bus driver Zoe Lancaster who "deserves an award" for her help.
Perita said: "Gucci went to the vets last Thursday and had to have an extra staple. He has to go back to have the staples out.
"He was a very poorly dog but he's on the mend.
"My customers have cried with me after they heard about it.
"Zoe Lancaster the bus driver deserves a medal. I believe that she should have a bravery award.
"People are offering me beauty treatments of my choice as they've got their own business.
"I'm trying to raise awareness, I didn't realise all this dog attacking was going on.
"Someone has told me the dog has been identified and destroyed.
"People are devastated. I'm going to start a petition.
"I phoned the council last week and they said it is a police matter.
"I want to raise awareness that in town centres dogs should not be allowed in the centres without a lead.
"We really have to act now."
A spokesman for Wolverhampton Council said: "Under the current Public Space Protection Order (PSPO), dogs are not required to be kept on a lead in the city centre. However, those in control of dogs must immediately put them on a lead if instructed to do so by a council officer or police officer."
