Family 'eternally' grateful' to vets after suspected pit bull attack in Thatto Heath park

The incident happened at around 1pm on Saturday, May 21 as Donna Linnett was walking Jamie, a 12-year-old Greyhound, through the park.

As Donna walked towards Elm Road, a suspected pit bull ran over to Jamie and got a hold of him "by the throat".

Despite the efforts of Donna and passers-by, the dog would not let go and severely injured its owner's fingers as she tried to separate them.

Jamie suffered three major puncture wounds from the attack

Jamie was rushed to the vets after the attack

After the terrifying ordeal, Jamie was rushed to the vets where he was treated for three major puncture wounds, a fractured jaw, and broken teeth.

Spending four days at Rutland House Veterinary Hospital, Jamie returned home on Wednesday, May 25. 

Stitching up all the wounds Jamie suffered, the vets also put a surgical drain around his throat to prevent that wound from getting infected.

The 12-year-old, who is described as the "gentlest dog ever", will also be on medication and have to eat soft food for the next six weeks as he slowly recovers from his attack.

In spite of the pain and stress the family has been under since the attack, Donna's daughter Clare has commended the people of St Helens who have supported them through this difficult period.

Vets have placed a surgical drain on Jamie's throat to prevent the wound from getting infected

She said: "Thank you to each and every one of you for your support, love, kindness, and well wishes for my mum and Jamie, we really do appreciate it.

"[That includes] everyone who came to the house to see my mum with 'Get Well Soon' cards for Jamie and gifts and treats for him.

"Lastly, we would like to thank the selfless people who helped Jamie on the day and fought so hard for him. You're all amazing and [to] the nurses, vets, and team at Rutland House Veterinary Hospital, we are eternally grateful, you all saved his life."

Jamie is described as being the "gentlest dog ever"

After the incident, Merseyside Police seized the suspected pit bull and are investigating whether it is an illegal breed.

Declaring a commitment to take all dangerous dog cases seriously, police confirmed the suspected put bill will be humanely destroyed if it is found to be an illegal breed.

Anyone who witnessed this incident or with any information is asked to contact @MerPolCC on Twitter or ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ on Facebook with reference 22000349719.