Guide dog hurt in 'berserk' attack - and owner forced to relive ordeal

Lyn Godwin and her dog Vicki were making their way down Portswood Road, Southampton, when a boxer named Roxy slipped its leash and backed the pair up against a wall, attacking Vicki.

She suffered cuts and bruises and had clumps of fur torn out, while Lyn was so traumatised that she has been forced to take anti-depressants since the event, which happened in May 2014.

A destruction order was made for Roxy after owner Wycliffe Gayle, 55, of Oak Road, Southampton, pleaded guilty to allowing a dog to be dangerously out of control in a public place.

But this order was reversed after a judge at Southampton Crown Court accepted an appeal.

Lyn, who has limited vision due to diabetic retinopathy, said: “It was a shock to have to go through the appeal process as the magistrates had already made a decision under the offence that the dog was dangerously out of control.

“I felt angry to have to go through it again. I've been on anti-depressants since the attack and have had a lack of confidence to leave the house and travel very far.

“I have been having help from Victim Support and now I am using a Guide Dogs 'My Guide' volunteer to help me venture further afield, come with me on bus journeys and into my local area.

“This is helping me to rebuild my independence.”

Speaking to the Daily Echo after the initial destruction order was made, Gayle described the situation as disproportionate and “unjust”.

The Guide Dogs charity has supported Lyn following the attack and during her court appearances and wants dog owners to be aware of the effect that the incidents have on owners.

A spokeswoman said: “An attack on a guide dog is a terrifying experience for the dog and its owner.

“As well as physical injuries, each dog attack leaves a deep psychological scar for both the other and the guide dog. In the worst cases guide dogs have to be retired early, and in others they are left unable to work for a significant period of time.”