The daughter of a man – one of four people – injured in a dog attack in Pouch Cove this week wants the public to know just how serious the situation was.

Juanita Stamp-Hillier says her 76-year-old father underwent emergency surgery after suffering life-changing injuries to his arms which she says were “ripped to shreds” in the attack.

He was clearing his driveway on Wednesday when the two animals set upon him.

Stamp-Hillier told VOCM Open Line he still requires plastic surgery to address the injuries that couldn’t be fixed, but it could have been much worse had a neighbour not intervened to beat the dogs off her father with a shovel.

Praise for those who came to the rescue

“There are a couple of heroes in this situation,” says Stamp-Hillier. “Josh Meehan is one of them, and dad’s next door neighbour and his good buddy Bob Rixon is the other one.”

“If it wasn’t for Bob trying to beat these dogs off with a shovel, my dad would be so much worse right now, or not here at all. The dogs turned around and attacked Bob also, and he sustained injuries and needed stiches. but…he did what he could. That man is also in his 70s.”

She says Meehan stopped his vehicle to help, and managed to drive the dogs away to allow first responders to be called. Stamp-Hillier says the woman who was taking care of the dogs tried to get them, and was also attacked.

RNC continuing investigation

She claims the dogs were known for past aggressive behaviour.

RNC had to intervene, and dispatched the two large-breed animals which were corralled with the help of local firefighters, but were still acting aggressively.

Juanita says she’s overwhelmed by the outpouring of support she’s received from the community in the aftermath of the attack.

RNC say the investigation is ongoing and no charges have been laid at this time.