SAVAGE ATTACK.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20504, 4 January 1935, Page 5

SAVAGE ATTACK.

Neighbours Have to Shoot Alsatian. MISTRESS BITTEN. Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, January 3. Savagely attacked by a full-grown Alsatian dog, which had been a pet in the home for about two years, Mrs Ida Tallentire. aged thirty, the wife of Mr Joseph Tallentire, storekeeper, of Panmure, was severely bitten about the chest and on the right forearm. Mrs Tallentire fought with the infuriated animal for fully five minutes, the struggle being ended by two neighbours, Mr J. W. North and Ins son, Mr W. North, who choked the dog into submission with a rope and then shot it. Mrs Armstrong, of Auckland, Mrs Tallentire’s mother, was the only other occupant of the house at the time, Mr Tallentire being absent. The vicious attack by the dog occurred shortly after its mistress had given the animal its evening meal. Early in the afternoon of the same day it had made an attempt to attack Mrs Tallentire. TlTe dog had gripped her right arm, but it had been thrown off before any injury had occurred. During the afternoon Mrs Armstrong played with the dog on the lawn, and it had been quite friendly. Sank Teeth into Arm.

“ Shortly before ten o’clock, my daughter gave the dog its evening meal in the kitchen,” said Mrs Armstrong. “ It ate most of the food, and prowled Tround with a short time. 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 seized a broom with the intention of striking the dog. but I feared that this action would only infufiate it. Throwing- open the 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 assisttance. By the time she had secured j a piece of rope, her daughter and the dog were in the back yard. The animal had either dragged her from the kitchen or else it had backed out while Mrs Tallentire fought to hold it by the throat. After the dog had been shot, Mrs > Tallentire was helped indoors, and a i doctor was summoned. But for the timely arrival of Mr ( North and his son, Mrs Armstrong con- ] siders her daughter’s injuries would have been far more serious. t “I’m Done ” “When we arrived,” said Mr North. ( sen., “Mrs Tallentire was on her kne**.s 3 holding on to the dog’s throat. She 1 called ‘l’m done.’ The Alsatian was growling and snarling savagely and ] straining to break forward. His jaws 1 and face were smeared with blood from ( Mrs Tallentire’s woundo After chok- . ing the dog with a rope my son held ■ him while I ran for my shotgun and cartridges. We dragged the dog, which j was infuriated, to the partly closed yard gate and shot him.” , Mr Tallentire said be was at a loss , to account for the dogs behaviour. The animal, which was about five years old. had accompanied his master daily in ] his delivery truck fo'i almost two years, and had never displayed temper. Residents had often com mented on the dog’s quiet nature. Was Fond of Her. “Why he should attacK Mrs Tallentire is beyond explanation, as the dog was extraordinarily fond of her,” he said. “All his meals weie 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 iit. or something j came over him suddenly.” The condition of Mis Tallentire, who was removed to a private bsopital, was reported to be satisfactory. It is thought it will be about a week before she is able to return to her home.