Victim of Winchelsea Staffordshire bull terrier attack struggling to understand owners’ lack of remorse

A woman who was placed in an induced coma and left with permanent injuries after being mauled by two bull terriers while jogging in rural Winchelsea says she struggles to comprehend the lack of remorse shown by the dogs’ owners.

Prophinder Shergill with one of his dogs. Picture: Facebook

The victim of a near fatal dog attack in Winchelsea says she struggles to understand why the owners of the dogs never showed “remorse” or “concern” for her or her family.

Susan Shaw, 55, went for a run along Trebeck Crt before dawn on May 9 last year when she was mauled within an inch of her life by two Staffordshire bull terriers, just a few hundred metres from her home.

Rushed to hospital in a critical condition, and placed into an induced coma, Ms Shaw told the Herald Sun she now lives with permanent injuries as a result of the “horrific” incident.

“I manage the trauma of being attacked in such a violent way, and the knowledge that I nearly lost my life, as best I can … I feel so sad that my family had to go through this,” she said.

“I now have permanent physical limitations which (have) had a huge impact on my previously very fit and active lifestyle, as well as my work capacity.”

Susan Shaw with her daughter after the near fatal dog attack in May last year. Picture: Supplied

Ms Shaw with her three children on Mother's Day this year. Picture: Supplied

The owners of the dogs, father and son Phophinder and Dion Shergill, were charged by the Surf Coast Shire in relation to the attack.

During a two-day contested hearing in Geelong Magistrates’ Court in May this year, barrister Gordon Chisholm and Phophinder Shergill – representing himself – argued there was doubt surrounding whether their dogs were involved, relying on DNA samples that had never been tested.

But on June 19, Magistrate Ann McGarvie found both men guilty of being the owners of dogs that were at large and caused serious injury.

More than a year on from the incident, and after a lengthy court process, Ms Shaw said she is baffled by the response of both Phophinder and Dion Shergill.

“I struggle to understand why they have never (shown) any remorse or concern to my family and I, and why even now, their concern is only over keeping their dogs alive,” she said.

The attack occurred as Ms Shaw jogged along Trebeck Crt before dawn. Picture: David Smith

The lonely road on which Ms Shaw was attacked in Winchelsea. Picture: David Smith

Even after Ms McGarvie handed down her decision, Phophinder Shergill said he still didn’t agree the dogs were behind the attack on Ms Shaw, prompting the magistrate to raise her voice and remind him Ms Shaw had parts of her body “bitten off”.

For Ms Shaw, there was “never any doubt” in her mind about which dogs had attacked her.

“I have been left with severe scarring/disfigurement, restricted mobility, ongoing nerve pain and loss of muscle,” she added.

“There (have) been many ongoing appointments and therapies that I have had to attend.

“My family has helped me through all of this as well as having to manage their own trauma over nearly losing me in horrific circumstances.”

The trauma of being attacked in such a “violent way”, and the knowing she was so close to losing her life, has been tough to grapple with according to Ms Shaw, adding she was saddened to see the impact it had on her family.

“The love from my family and friends has got me through,” she said.

“I can never thank my three children enough for their endless love and support.”

Ms Shaw said she wanted to thank the Surf Coast Shire for their investigation into the incident, the first-responders and medical staff of Geelong Hospital and Barwon Health who treated and cared for her.

“I know that I am here today because of the many people who helped me,” she said.

According to Ms Shaw, the road to recovery still lies ahead, where she hopes the nerve pain she still endures will eventually subside.

Dion and Phophinder Shergill are set to be sentenced in Geelong Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.

Both were contacted for comment.

Originally published as Victim of Winchelsea Staffordshire bull terrier attack struggling to understand owners’ lack of remorse