Jack Russell attack left me terrified

A WOMAN today told how she was viciously attacked by two Jack Russells on the doorstep of her Edinburgh home.

Kirsty Crosbie was left requiring hospital treatment after falling to the ground and being set upon by the dogs.

The 27-year-old said she was "terrified" as the terriers snapped at her arms and legs as she tried to escape.

The attack did not cease until the dogs' owner appeared and called them off. He then left the scene and is now being hunted by police.

Ms Crosbie said today: "They just flew at me, trying to bite and grab at my ankles.

"I tripped trying to get away from them and they were grabbing at the arms of my jacket.

"Thankfully, it was a big padded jacket or they would have got at my arms. They were biting at my legs and bum and I was screaming at the top of my lungs.

"If it had been a child it could have been ripped to bits. They were vicious and growling – I don't know what possessed them."

The former bar worker was treated for puncture wounds at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary following the attack, which took place in Earl Haig Gardens, Trinity, about 7.20pm on Wednesday.

Police were today set to take pictures of her injuries as they continue their investigations into catching the owner of the dogs.

It is believed the animals belong to the driver of a white Iveco van that was parked nearby.

Miss Crosbie said she had just left her house when the terriers pounced.

"I was wanting to catch the shop in time to put the lottery on for my mum and they came at me for absolutely no reason," she said.

"The owner did not see it was happening. I think he had been in a house at the time. I was screaming and he came and called them off. I'm absolutely livid. That could have been a teenage girl and he just didn't bother, there wasn't even an apology. I hope the police catch him. I dread to think what would have happened if it was a child they attacked.

"I had to get a tetanus boost at the hospital and there are two or three puncture wounds which may leave small scars.

"I was terrified. I have lived with dogs all my life, but I've never been so scared of them. I was having nightmares last night. It has scared me a lot."

The owner of the animals is described as white, 6ft and of medium build.

He has cropped hair and was wearing a light coloured jacket and dark coloured trousers.

A police spokesman said: "This was an extremely distressing and nasty experience for the victim.

"These dogs were very aggressive and we want anyone who witnessed the incident, or has any information, to contact police."

THE FACTS
First bred in the 19th century by Reverend John Russell, the "sporting parson", Jack Russell terriers were initially hunting dogs. Noted for their brave character and endurance, the animals were also good at digging holes.

As pets they can be noisy and are known to enjoy a good bark.

With boundless energy and natural curiosity they require a lot of attention and owners who enjoy long walks. They can act aggressively to noise or when frightened – usually by larger dogs. But despite this they are not usually considered to be dangerous.