The owner of a small dog, who was severely injured in a brutal attack, is calling for a change in the law regarding dog ownership and leash control. Giles Lewis, whose dog Yuki—a Pomeranian-Japanese Spitz cross—was mauled by an uncontrolled lurcher-type dog, believes that society must address the increasing number of dog-on-dog attacks.
The terrifying incident occurred on the evening of February 6, 2025, while Giles and Yuki were walking on Risca Road in Newport. Yuki was grabbed by the attacking dog and shaken “from side to side like a little toy,” according to Lewis. “I had her in my arms, she was still screaming, there was blood everywhere, and I had to flee because the dog was completely out of control,” he recounted. The veterinary bills for Yuki’s emergency care totaled around £20,000.
Yuki was rushed to a veterinary hospital with serious injuries to her side and belly, and was initially not expected to survive. However, after two weeks in intensive care and surgery, Giles reported that Yuki was expected to make a full recovery, though she will carry a permanent scar and may lose some of her fur.
The attack, which took place in front of an unresponsive dog owner, left Giles feeling frustrated with the lack of accountability in such situations. He criticized the growing number of dog owners who are unable to properly control or train their pets, calling it a contributing factor to the rise in dog-related attacks.
“The law needs to change,” Lewis said. “Too many people now own dogs they are unable to train or control. The laissez-faire attitude towards keeping dogs on leads in public is creating a situation where these attacks are becoming more frequent.” He added that such behavior was unacceptable in a civilized society.
Gwent Police are currently investigating the incident, as the attacking lurcher-type dog was accompanied by a woman with long dark hair wearing a red or orange coat. They are urging anyone with information to come forward to help identify the owner.
Giles Lewis’ plea highlights a pressing issue, with calls for greater responsibility from dog owners and stricter enforcement of laws to ensure public safety.