Trott Park couple call for public assistance after vicious dog attack at Murray Bridge

A Trott Park couple has released confronting video footage to help find the owners responsible behind a vicious dog attack at a Murray Bridge park. WARNING: GRAPHIC

A Trott Park couple is calling for public assistance after their rescue dog Scarlett was viciously attacked at a Murray Bridge park on Thursday.

Sue and John Lockier were on their way home from a family holiday when they stopped for lunch at Diamond Park.

Not long after seeking shelter under a tree, Mr Lockier and his nine-year-old golden retriever were charged by a “vicious” pit bull-cross which left Scarlett with serious bite injuries to her neck.

Golden retriever Scarlett was viciously attacked by another dog in Murray Bridge on March 18. Picture: John Lockier

Bites on Scarlett’s neck after the attack in Murray Bridge. Picture: John Lockier

Mrs Lockier went to help as the dog returned to attack more than once.

“[Scarlett] was squealing and screaming in pain and just looking at me as if she were saying ‘help Mum, please help!,” Mrs Lockier said.

“It was awful and I ended up getting knocked to the ground myself.”

Mr Lockier, who will be filing a formal complaint with the Murray Bridge Council on Friday, said he appealed to the public to help identify the dog’s owners.

He said he had also contacted police who informed him that dog attacks were a council matter.

He said the dog in question had been a brown pit bull-like dog with a chain around its neck.

The dog was not on a lead and charged Scarlett from a 100m distance.

The owner of the dog has been described as caucasian with a red beard and a tattoo on his leg.

John and Sue Lockier with their nine-year-old old Golden Retriever Scarlett who was viciously attacked by another dog off lead in a park in Murray Bridge. Picture: Tricia Watkinson

Mr Lockier said the attack could have been worse.

“This could have been a child,” Mr Lockier said.

“It just kept on coming back for her and we were just lucky that there were two council staff there who helped us get her into the car, otherwise she would have been ripped to shreds.

“A local shop owner also ran across the road to help, so there’s a silver lining in all of this as it showed us that there are still people who are willing to help when you’re in need.

“But something needs to be done as this dog has now tasted blood and sooner or later someone will get seriously hurt.”

The council’s general manager for community development Kristin Manson said investigations were underway.

“We’re undertaking an investigation into the matter to identify and locate the owner of the dog,” she said.

“Council staff have also been assisting the owners of the attacked dog, both at the time of the attack an following...and ensured they are receiving vet care and that their dog is doing quite well.”