Labour politician relives horrifying dog attack as he lay on pet to protect her

05 October 2023 , 12:00

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Welsh Senedd Member Jack Sargeant and his dog Coco (Image: NCM Media)

A Labour politician has told how he was attacked by two out-of-control Staffordshire Bull Terriers as he walked his dog.

Welsh Senedd Member Jack Sargeant relived the terrifying moment he and his King Charles cavalier Coco were targeted. “Coco and I were involved in a violent dog attack from two Staffordshire Bull Terriers off their leads,” he told the Cardiff Bay chamber. “The two dogs were running loose and seemed to appear from nowhere. Before I knew it one dog had Coco around the neck, causing two puncture wounds to her throat, and back of the neck, whilst the other pinned her to the ground.

Jack Sargeant's dog Coco (Jack Sargeant)

“I attempted to rescue Coco and I am incredibly grateful to members of the public who answered my calls for help as I was lying over Coco’s body in efforts to protect her.” Mr Sargeant, 29, paid tribute to six shocked members of the public “who came to our rescue”.

“Remarkably, I was physically OK from the attack - more mentally shook up from the ordeal,” he confided. “Without the bravery of the public, Coco would almost certainly not be with us anymore. Over two weeks since the attack, my partner and I are still finding wounds to Coco’s flesh.”

But he said that after six visits to the vets, their beloved pet is “on the road to recovery”. Mr Sargeant called for a “responsible dog ownership awareness campaign” to curb the horrific attacks plaguing Britain.

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Welsh Senedd Member Jack Sargeant's dog Coco after the attack (Jack Sargeant)

The Mirror is fighting to overhaul the Dangerous Dogs Act as innocent victims continue to be killed or seriously injured in vicious dog attacks Our demands include a shake-up of the 1991 legislation, with an urgent review of the law and experts examining whether tougher penalties should be considered; enforcing existing rules to stop the illegal and irresponsible breeding and selling of dogs; and a public information campaign to promote the importance of responsible dog ownership and the need for training.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak last month pledged to ban the American XL Bully breed which has been involved in many of the fatal maulings of children and adults in recent years. A spokesman for Mr Sunak has said a "transition period" would be introduced, with details likely to follow a consultation on the plan. Owners could face a requirement to neuter their dogs and muzzle them in public, the Government's Chief Vet suggested.

Ben Glaze