SAVAGE ALSATIAN

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 21999, 4 January 1935, Page 8

SAVAGE ALSATIAN

ATTACK ON MISTRESS

PET'S SUDDEN VICIOUSNESS

WOMAN SAVED BY NEIGHBOURS

ANIMAL PROMPTLY SHOT

Savagely attacked by a full-grown Alsatian dog, which had been a pet in tho home for about two years, Mrs. Ida Tallcntire, aged 30, wife of Mr. Joseph Tallcntire, storekeeper, of Panmure, was severely bitten about the chest and on tho right forearm. Mrs. Tallcntire fought with the infuriated animal for fully fivo minutes, the struggle being ended by two neighbours, Mr. J. W. North and his son, Mr. W. North, who choked tho dog into submission with a rope and then shot it. Mrs. Tallentire's mother, Mrs. E. Armstrong, was the only other occupant of the house at the time, Mr Tallcntire being away. Tho vicious attack by tho dog occurred shortly before 10 p.m., a few minutes after its mistress had given tho animal its evening meal. Early in the afternoon it had made an attempt to attack Mrs. Tallcntire. The dog had gripped her right arm, but it had been thrown off before any injury had occurred. Woman Pulled to Floor During the afternoon Mrs. Armstrong played with the dog on the lawn, and it had been quite friendly. "Shortly beforo 10 o'clock my daughter gave the dog its evening meal in the kitchen," said Mrs. Armstrong. "It ato most of the food and prowled around. Then, with a savage growl, it sprang at my daughter. She screamed as the animal sank its teeth into her right arm and pulled her to the floor. I serzed a broom with the intention of striking tho dog, but I feared this action would only infuriate it. Throwing open tho back door, I ran to the main road, calling for help." At this stage, Mrs. Armstrong said, both Mr. J. W. North and Mr. W. North came to her daughter's assistance. By tho time Mrs. Armstrong had secured a piece of rope, her daughter and the dog were in the backyard. The animal had either dragged her from the kitchen, or it had backed out while Mrs. Tallcntire fought to hold it by the throat.

After the dog had been shot Mrs. Tallentire was helped indoors, and Dr. A. k M. Ross, of Otahuhu, and two friends, Mr. and Mrs. H. Graham, of Panmure, were summoned. But for tho timely arrival of Mr. North and his son, Mrs. Armstrong considers her daughter's injuries would have been far more serious. Victim's Condition Satisfactory "When we arrived," said Mr. North, sen., "Mrs. Tallentire was on her knees holding on to the dog's throat. She called: 'l'm done.' The Alsatian was growling and snarling savagely, find straining to break forward. His jaws and face were smeared with blood from Mrs. Tallentire'3 wounds. After choking the dog with a rope, my son held him while I ran for my shotgun and cartridges. We dragged the dog, which was infuriated, to tho partly-closed yard gate and shot him."

After his return, Mr. Tallentire said ho was at a loss to account for the dog's behaviour. The animal, which was about five years old, had accompanied his master daily in his delivery truck for almost two years, and had never displayed temper. Residents had often commented on the dog's quiet nature.

"Why he should attack Mrs. Tallentire is beyond explanation, as the dog was extraordinarily fond of her," added Mr. Tallentire. "All his meals were served by Mrs. Tallentire, and I don't suppose I have fed him half a dozen times in the past two years. I somehow think he must have had a fit, or something came over him suddenly." The condition of Mrs. Tallentire, who was removed to n private hospital in Otahuhu, was reported last evening to bo satisfactory. It is thought it will be about a week before she is able to return to her homo.