American Bulldog attacked by three dogs in Colne field

Four-year-old Zeus was being walked by his owner, who does not wish to be named, in a field at the top of Red Lane on New Year's Day, when he was attacked by three Belgian Malinois.

Zeus was muzzled at the time of the attack, meaning he was unable to bite back.

The attack came at the same time as the nationwide ban on XL Bully dogs - a similar breed to American Bulldogs - came into force, meaning they have to be kept on a lead and muzzled in public at all times and cannot be bred, sold or gifted.

Pendle Council said it is looking into the incident and said this is not the first time these dogs have been complained about.

Zeus the American Bulldog was attacked by three dogs in Colne (Image: Submitted)

Zeus’ owner said: “I could hear a man shouting and loads of barking. He unlocked the gate and let three big Belgian Malinois loose.

“They came straight for my dog and attacked him. I had to hold my son back from trying to help the dog and getting bitten, meaning I had to let Zeus get mauled.

“The owner was calling them away but wasn’t moving to take them off Zeus.

"He walked away and as he did his dogs jumped back on top of mine while I still had hold of my dog’s collar.

“He didn’t bother to check we were okay or anything, so I got his registration plate and called 999.”

Zeus the American Bulldog was attacked by three dogs in Colne (Image: Submitted)The mum-of-two said the incident left her four-year-old son feeling traumatised.

She said: “My little boy was screaming.

“It was so scary and my little boy is traumatised.”

The owner was left with a £289 vet bill, which is set to increase at follow up appointments.

Zeus’ ear had to be stapled back together and he also had cuts on his face, paws and claw marks down his back.

Zeus the American Bulldog was attacked by three dogs in Colne (Image: Submitted)

His owner said: “He was covered in blood and his left ear was hanging off.

“The vet stapled his ear back together and put a bandage around him. There is still a chunk of his ear missing and there is a big gaping hole.

“When you touch him he yelps. We haven’t left the house since.

"Zeus barks at any little noise and it is like he has separation anxiety. He won’t go out of the front door and he’s usually the most placid and laid back dog.”

His owner is now calling for awareness and wants action to be taken.

She has since been approached by the family of the man responsible for the Belgian Malinois, who have offered to cover the vet bills.

She said: “I think the police or dog warden should go around to his house and see if these dogs are safe.

"They should be on a lead all the time and be muzzled [in public].

“If you have a dog that can’t behave the law should apply to you regardless of the breed.

“I think the owner needs to take some responsibility for his dogs and have a bit of compassion for other people.

“If you can’t control your dogs – you shouldn’t own them. You should at least put them on a lead.”

A Pendle Council spokesperson said: “We are aware of the attack and have already spoken to the complainant who is happy with the action we are going to take

“We have had other complaints about these dogs and we are taking the appropriate action.”