A GRANDFATHER has told how he feared for his life when he was attacked by a dog outside his home.

Billy Ronan was attacked by a German Shepherd dog as he was walked into his house.

The dog bit the 65-year-old’s right arm before he was able to free himself with the help of the dog’s owner.

But then it attacked again and sank its teeth into his left arm, which forced Mr Ronan’s copper arthritis band into his skin and left him bleeding profusely.

Mr Ronan takes warfarin tablets, which stop his blood from clotting.

He said: “I really thought I might die because of the warfarin issue — I probably should have got help nearby but I knew I needed medical attention so drove to the hospital in Chorley.”

He was initially treated at the Chorley facility but doctors decided he needed surgery and transferred him to the Royal Preston Hospital where he was operated on several days later.

Mr Ronan, a retired coach driver. said the attack on May 30 has left him “mentally scarred”.

He added: “I am feeling better physically and I’m on the mend but I have to get my wounds dressed regularly.

“I do feel more vulnerable now, I keep thinking of what might have happened if the owner hadn’t been there to help pull him away, it doesn’t bear thinking about really.”

“I think something has to be done, if the dog being put down means that a child won’t be attacked then maybe that should be considered.”

Horwich and Blackrod councillor, Ann Cunliffe, said residents have seen the dog roaming free in an area of land behind the houses, which is next to a children’s play area.

She added: “This attack happened near to both a play area and a nursery across the road so there is a lot of concern about this animal — this could have easily happened to a child.”

Police are aware of the incident and The Bolton News understands the dog’s owner was asked to go to Astley Bridge police station for questioning.

Bolton West MP Julie Hilling, who is campaigning for stricter dangerous dog laws, said: “This is another terrible example of what can happen when owners allow their dogs to get out of control.

“I hope the police will now take rapid action to ensure that this dog doesn’t hurt anyone else.”

Last year 14-year-old Jade Lmas-Anderson was mauled to death by a pack of dogs when she was at a friend’s house in Atherton.

Her family have campaigned since her death of tougher penalties for the owners of dangerous dogs.

And last month new powers were introduced meaning dog owners will no longer be immune from prosecution if their dog attacks someone in the home.

The maximum sentence for the owner of a dog that kills someone has also been raised from two years to 14 years.