SAVAGE ALSATIAN DOG

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 77, Issue 136, 11 June 1934, Page 6

SAVAGE ALSATIAN DOG

ATTACK ON A FRIEND. HOUSEHOLD TERKORISED. A powerful Alsatian dog terrorised a household at Orange, New South Wales, recently, and savagely attacked James Smith, a watchman, who had befriended it. The dog, which was aged 11 months, belonged to the postmaster, Mr. Bilton. When he moved, there was no yard for the dog to exercise in, and he handed it over to Mr. Smith. The dog became an inseparable companion of Mr. Smith during his lonely patrols at night. Mr. Smith spent hours throwing sticks for the dog to recover, and inventing games which helped to pass the time. The dog’s nature changed inexplicably about a month ago. Mr. Smith noticed him limping and raised a paw to draw out the thorn he expected to find there The dog attacked him and sank its teeth into his left hand. The scars will probably mark Mr. Smith’s hand for life. The dog subsequently attacked Roy Brown, who lived at Mr. Smith’s home. Mr Brown sought refuge in another par* of the house. Then the dog entered Mr. Smith’s bedroom. Mr. Smith had been in the habit of stroking its head while the animal rested it on the edge of his bed. Mr. Smith stroked its head for some time and the dog went out the door. Mr. Smith walked to the door a few minutes later, and the dog, which had been waiting in the hall, rushed at him. It sprang at his throat. Mr. Smith struck it and the dog lost its balance. It sprang again, and was beaten off. The watchman ran back to his room and locked the door. When the dog left the house, the occupants went to a neighbour, Mr. Davis. Mr. Davis believed that he could pacify the dog, as he had often played with it, but the others persuaded him to take his shotgun. As soon as the animal saw Mr. Davis, it rushed at him. Mr. Davis shot the dog dead when it was within a few feet of him.