Meet Ally – a devoted guide dog who is being forced to retire early after she was attacked six times in Suffolk.
Recently the young black Labrador has become the target of badly behaved dogs – and after one particularly brutal clash, she suffered a ripped ear and puncture wounds to her mouth.
Her owner Carolyn Allum, from Claydon, is registered blind and was left terrified during the latest incident in Ipswich town centre when another dog barked aggressively at the pair.
This time the usually docile Ally, who is only six years old, retaliated as a result of being traumatised by previous attacks.
As a result, a heartbroken Carolyn has taken the difficult step to retire Ally – and is issuing a stark warning to fellow dog owners, urging them to stay in control of their pets’ behaviour.
“Ally is a cracking guide dog, it is heartbreaking to see her retiring so early,” she said.
“I am beside myself with grief at losing her – she is my best friend.
“Dogs work in fight or flight mode, and what’s happening now is that Ally is fighting rather than running away.
“I can’t let that happen because it could risk both my safety and hers.”
Carolyn has found a new home for Ally, and although she is on the priority list to receive a new guide dog, it could take up to a year so she may have to rely on a cane.
“Ally is my lifeline, and I feel like my independence is being torn away from me,” she said.
“I travel a lot so it will have a huge impact.
“I feel like my confidence has been crushed and like I’ve taken a step backwards.
“I want to speak out so dog owners realise what an impact badly behaved dogs can have.”
Helen Sismore from East Anglia Guide Dogs has been working alongside relevant Suffolk agencies, including police and crime commissioner Tim Passmore, to crack down on guide dog attacks.
She said: “This is an intolerable situation for people who are blind or partially sighted.
“We ask the public to ensure their dogs are properly socialised with other dogs and are under control at all times whether they are on or off lead.”
Mr Passmore added: “First of all I think these are utterly sickening attacks on this guide dog. Assistance dogs are a lifeline for their owners and play an integral part in their lives.
“I know most dog owners are quite respectful, but there are a minority who are selfish.
“The perpetrators need catching.”
Police are appealing for witnesses to the latest attack on Ally, which took place on Ipswich Cornhill in the afternoon of January 5.
To help, dial 101.
Guide dog attacks: The law
Various legislation exists relating to attacks on guide dogs.
The Dangerous Dogs Act 2014 states that it is a criminal offence for a dog to attack a working guide dog – it was amended in May 2014 to go further and state the dog does not have to cause harm.
It is still classed as an attack if it lunges or growls aggressively, because the act is outlined as being against the person.
This is because under legislation, a blind or partially sighted person is considered to be a vulnerable adult.
Guide dogs cost £57,000 to train and maintain, and leading charities say they cannot have dogs that operate within ‘fight mode’, as Ally has started to in this case.
When this happens, the dog cannot be rehabilitated.
Charity leaders also say it is not a defence for owners to claim that they were not with the dog at the time of the attack.
Both the owner and the person who had the dog at the time can be prosecuted.
Carolyn has also written this hard-hitting poem, which she said sums up her feelings about the issue:
There is an empty space beside me
It’s the place where you should be
There is a tearing grief inside me
It’s a pain you cannot see
There is a silence in the shadows
Where there should be gentle snores
The kitchen floor is clean and bare
No prints from muddy paws
The kibble sack is empty
No counting ounce by ounce
A ball lies down the garden
It has bounced its final bounce
The toybox sits untouched now
The once plump bed is flat
No big brown eyes to gaze at me
No soft warm head to Pat
No call back from the whistle
No tinkle from the bell
No high-fives in the morning
No lovely doggy smell
No tatty bear dropped on the floor
Whose limbs have all been mended
No barking at the knocked-on door
This life for us has ended
In happier times you came to me
So keen and waggy-tailed
And as our bond grew strong and tight
Your devotion never failed
With you here right beside me
We pounded lane and street
Walking proud together
With four paws and my two feet
Together travelling far and wide
Discovering pastures new
The world became our playing field
A place for me and you
The first dog came to hurt you
Whilst in harness working hard
Your gentle heart was wounded
Your trusting soul was scarred
So bravely you recovered
And worked for me once more
But daemon dogs came back for you
Your silky fur they tore
Our partnership is ruined
Our confidence is gone
And though I have to do this
It feels so very wrong
I know I can’t protect you
Or give you what you need
So I am hanging up your harness
And taking off your lead.
My heart feels crushed and broken
These days are filled with pain
But sweet girl I am hoping
My loss will be your gain
You filled my life with colour
With memories we have made
For you with love and patience
The darker ones will fade
Think of me from time to time
When running on the sand
Remember how it felt for us
Your paw clutched in my hand
My Ally we have to say goodbye
It’s for you a brand-new start
Don’t forget how much I love you
And your place is in my heart.
There is an empty space beside me
It’s a place where you should be
There is a tearing grief inside me
But I had to set you free
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