Warning after wild boar savages rescue greyhound
A RESCUE greyhound had to be put down after being attacked by a wild boar in woodland near the Speech House.
Cara was the second dog to be attacked within days and she was so badly injured vets could do nothing to save her.
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Cara - savaged
Now dog owners are being warned to be on their guard during the boar breeding season.
Experts say the boar do not like other animals and as well as attacking dogs, have disembowelled cattle in fields near Ross-on-Wye.
Hilary Bubb was walking three rescued greyhounds on the Gloucestershire Way near Kinsley Lodge at Speech House when six-year-old Cara slipped her lead.
"She was mooching about over the bank when I heard this almighty scream," said Hilary.
"She was just screaming and screaming. It was this awful noise but I had the other two so I did not dare go in after her."
Racing back to put her other dogs safely in the car, Hilary bumped into a Forest ranger who went back with her to rescue Cara.
"She was just standing there completely traumatised," said heartbroken Hilary.
"There was a big flap of skin hanging from her leg and tooth marks by her eye. We carried her back to the car and I took her to the vets.
"It didn't look that bad but they called 20 minutes later to say her shoulder was absolutely shattered and there was nothing they could do."
Heartbroken Hilary was shocked to learn Chase View Veterinary Clinic in Ross-on-Wye were also treating a Golden Retriever attacked in the Forest just days earlier.
She added: "If I had thought the boars were a danger, I would never have taken her to the Forest in the first place.
"She wasn't that far off the path and you get a lot of youngsters running around and cycling there. What would have happened if it was a small child?
"Is it responsible to have potentially quite aggressive animals roaming around close to people?"
Vet Kate Kerry warned owners to beware of letting their dogs run free when sows are protecting their young.
Rob Guest Forestry Commission deputy surveyor said it was impossible to estimate the number of dog attacks because they are not always reported but said he had heard of boar killing cows.
"There is no doubt that the biggest problem with the boar is that they hate other animals, particularly dogs," he said.
"I think an unprovoked attack on a child is very unlikely but my real fear is that at some stage somebody will try to protect their dog from being attacked and be injured themselves."
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by fod boy, fod
Tuesday, June 01 2010, 10:07AM
“Denzil, obviously if the dog had slipped its lead, it wasnt under control was it? Sounds like a wayward dog got its comeuppance to me. The boar have as much right in the forest as we do, will we start calling for stags to be exterminated if they decide to charge someone in the woods?
Leave the boar alone, and they will do the same to you. I would also suggest checking your mutts cant slip their leads also.....”
by Denzil, Glaws
Monday, May 31 2010, 6:07PM
“"Get Real" why don't you read the article before putting pen to paper? The owner did have the greyhound under control but it managed to slip its lead. It really won't be too long before these WILD animals do injure of kill a small child. The Forestry Commission can no more control the Boar than they can control the sheep badgers and their filthy animals!”
by get real, fod
Friday, May 28 2010, 5:44PM
“if the dog had been on a lead and not disturbing the boar and probably its young there would not have been a problem i am a dog owner who lives works and walks in the forest daily in all weather and i have the privilege of seeing these animals close up almost daily my dog included with no bother just get educated its WILDLIFE”
by Alun, Lydney
Friday, May 28 2010, 11:13AM
“The wild boar have as just much right to be in the Forest as dog walkers do. If you're not comfortable with their presence walk your dog somewhere else.”
by FODperson, FOD
Friday, May 28 2010, 9:59AM
“Better still get rid of the boar, why don't locals and forest users get a say in them being here and staying here - why should people, kids and dogs walk in fear of being attacked/chased. Poor lady and her dogs.”