Pensioner, 77, reveals how he lost an arm and a leg after being attacked by two ‘Rottweilers’ that were shot dead by police marksmen
A pensioner has told how he lost an arm and a leg after being attacked by two dogs that had to be shot dead by a police marksman.
Vic Franklin lost his left leg, right arm and left middle finger following the horrific attack near his home in Bognor Regis, West Sussex on August 18.
The two dogs involved – believed to be Rottweilers – were killed to stop them attacking anyone else, while a 29-year-old man has been arrested.
Mr Franklin, 77, was airlifted to hospital and has since undergone several operations. As he continues his recovery in hospital, he has expressed his gratitude to those who came to his aid.
Vic Franklin, 77, sustained life-changing injuries following the incident in Bognor Regis
The two dogs involved – believed to be Rottweilers – were killed to stop them attacking anyone else, while a 29-year-old man has been arrested
‘Simply put, I wouldn’t be here without the assistance of our emergency service workers,’ he said.
READ MORE – Pupils are evacuated from classrooms as XL Bully dog mauled its owner at home before escaping and running into a school car park
‘From the first responders including police and paramedics, to the air ambulance crew and the selfless staff at Royal Sussex County Hospital, I am eternally grateful.’
After receiving several 999 calls from members of the public, specialist police firearms officers were deployed to the scene and granted authority to bring the dogs safely under control.
Mr Franklin’s son Lee praised his father’s bravery.
‘We were completely devastated when we heard what happened,’ he said.
‘It sent shockwaves through the family because dad has been the glue that holds us all together.
‘Our main concern was not only the preservation of his life, but also the quality of his life.
‘We realised we didn’t have a choice and after having his left leg, right arm and left middle finger amputated, we feared the worst.
‘You just don’t know what’s going to happen.
After receiving several 999 calls from members of the public, specialist police firearms officers were deployed to the scene and granted authority to bring the dogs safely under control
This is a stock image of a Rottweiler dog. Mr Franklin was attacked by what are believed to have been two Rottweilers
‘But with dad in recovery now, everyone who sees him says how much of an inspiration he is.
READ MORE – XL Bully ‘campaigner’ is attacked by one of the dogs he is trying to save after ‘owner set the animal on him’
‘He’s still dad, and he still manages to make everyone laugh.’
Lee added: ‘The first thing he said when he woke up from surgery was ‘everyone is safe now’ after hearing the news about the attack.
‘His first thought was to ensure everyone was safe and that the dogs could do no further harm.
‘As far as we’re concerned he’s our hero.’
A 29-year-old man from Bognor Regis was arrested on suspicion of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control.
He was bailed until November 16, pending further enquiries.
The police investigation remains ongoing and anyone with any information who has not yet come forward is urged to report it online or call 101, quoting Op Byfleet.
Source: Read Full Article
