19 October 2023 , 12:03
1099
0
A pensioner has had to have an arm, leg and a finger amputated after a savage dog attack involving two suspected Rottweilers.
Dad Vic Franklin was mauled by the hounds on a street in Bognor Regis, Sussex, and left with "life-changing injuries" in the attack. Both dogs were shot dead by police at the scene.
The 77-year-old is still in hospital two months after the attack, having undergone multiple surgeries. Vic's injuries were so appalling that both his left arm and right leg had to be amputated, as well as the middle finger on his surviving right hand. The family claim they "feared the worst" after seeing him in hospital shortly after the mauling.
Son Lee said the attack has sent "shockwaves" through the family, adding: "We were completely devastated when we heard what happened." Vic has been described as the "glue" holding his family together, and his loved ones now worry for his quality of life after such traumatic injuries.
Police shot and killed the two dogs at the scene (SUSSEX NEWS AND PICTURES)"We realised we didn’t have a choice and after having his left leg, right arm and left middle finger amputated," Lee said. "We feared the worst. You just don’t know what’s going to happen. But with dad in recovery now, everyone who sees him says how much of an inspiration he is. He’s still dad, and he still manages to make everyone laugh.
Baby boy has spent his life in hospital as doctors are 'scared' to discharge him
“The first thing he said when he woke up from surgery was “Everyone is safe now” after hearing the news about the attack. His first thought was to ensure everyone was safe and that the dogs could do no further harm. As far as we’re concerned he’s our hero.”
Vic was attacked on the morning of August 18 by the two dogs, with Sussex Police saying they were still investigating. A 29-year-old man was arrested over the incident on suspicion of being in charge of a dangerously out of control dog, and remains on conditional bail. Anyone with information which could help the police probe is urged to contact Sussex Police.
The attack happened during an ongoing spree of dog attacks in Britain, and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced last month that the XL Bully breed linked to many of the attacks would be banned by the end of the year. The shock announcement follows months of campaigning from The Mirror for reform to the Dangerous Dogs Act.