Man, 62, now faces life without work after savage dog attack

A PHARMACY worker who had his arm snapped in two by a dog while making a delivery has been told he will never regain the use of it.

Chris Hirst suffered a 10-minute mauling at the jaws of an American bulldog, which latched on to his right arm and left it hanging on by a slip of skin.

The 62-year-old said he felt lucky to be alive following the attack in April, which has left him requiring five operations in an attempt to rebuild his arm.

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Mr Hirst, from Tyersal, Bradford, has been unable to work since the attack and he says it is unlikely he will be able to return in the future,

He said: “There are too many incidents these days where dogs are getting bitten by dogs.

“I managed to get away – I could have easily lost my life, but I have been left with a useless arm.

“I don’t think I’ll be able to manage another job now.

“This attack has taken a lot away from me.”

New laws, proposed by the Government earlier this week, could see owners of killer dogs get life imprisonment. Owners of dogs that cause serious injury to people could receive a maximum ten-year sentence.

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The legislation was unveiled on the day a Rottweiler bit a two-year-old girl in Rawmarsh, Rotherham, on Tuesday,

Police confirmed yesterday the animal, a family pet, is to be destroyed as the girl’s family remained at her bedside in hospital as she was treated for injuries including a split earlobe and wounds to her leg.

A spokesman for South Yorkshire Police said the family were “devastated” and added: “Yesterday’s events have proved hugely traumatic for the family, who ask that the media recognise their primary need is to spend time with the little girl, as they come to terms with what has happened.

“The family has agreed the Rottweiler shall be destroyed.”

The dog had been on a lead when the attack happened. The little girl was walking with a woman and the dog at the time.