A DOG-WALKER has been left with an infected wound after being savagely attacked by an out-of-control Irish wolfhound.

Pauline Lightburn was walking her friend's dogs on fields at the back of Walnut Avenue, in Weaverham, on Sunday, April 10 when the incident occurred.

She said: "My dogs, a Dalmatian and a small black and white cross, were on their leads when the Irish wolfhound approached aggressively and tried to attack the cross. The Dalmatian stepped in to try and protect the smaller dog and a fight broke out.

"I stepped in to try and separate them and I got caught in the middle, which resulted in a large wound to my right hand exposing my bones and tendons."

Pauline is currently undergoing treatment for her hand and is using antibiotic cream to fight the infection that has now occurred.

She has returned to the fields since the attack but says she is too anxious to explore the area like she used to.

She added: "I just stick to the edges of the field now and I'm constantly looking around me. I am aware that dogs fight all the time, but this is the second time we have been attacked by the same animal."

Pauline said the owner of the Irish wolfhound was aware of her injuries but chose to leave the scene.

She added: "Any responsible dog owner would not have walked away and would have asked how I was or given their name and address.

"This Irish wolfhound is a massive animal and I dread to think what would have happened if it had been children that met with it.

"If any dog owner has a dog that is likely to fight with other dogs they should remain on their lead or wear a muzzle."