Neighbour Recounts Saving Woman from Dog Attack, Feared for Her Life

A local resident has recounted the incident where he intervened to rescue a woman from an attack by her own dog. The attack, which occurred on Papworth Road, March, around 10:45 GMT on Sunday, resulted in two women being hospitalized with serious injuries. Cambridgeshire Police stated that the incident involved a mixed-breed dog, which, according to the force, was not believed to be subject to dangerous dog legislation. John Goude exited his residence to assist one of the victims, whose forearm was gripped in the dog’s mouth; he pulled the animal away from her and suffered minor bite injuries himself. Mr. Goude stated, “A neighbour phoned me, and asked me to check out a commotion that was unfolding across the road from me.” He continued, “I went out and was shocked to see a teenage girl being attacked by a dog.” “Her forearm was in its mouth; she was screaming and shouting trying to get it off; it was terrifying,” he added. Mr. Goude recounted that he “thought [the victim] was going to die” if intervention did not occur. He remarked, “I’ve had Staffies in the past, and this dog was bigger and had a wider mouth.” “I lost track of time, but it was probably about 10-15 minutes I had to pin it down on the gravel for before the police arrived,” he explained. He asserted, “I’m not out to be a hero; I was just doing what I had to do.” He mentioned that after being freed, the victim entered a nearby vehicle. The women were transported to Peterborough City Hospital, where they are being treated for serious, though not life-threatening, bite injuries. Following its seizure by police, the dog was euthanized. The animal belonged to the women, and law enforcement confirmed that no other individuals were being sought in relation to the incident. Eyewitnesses interviewed by the BBC concurred that the injuries might have been significantly more severe had Mr. Goude not intervened. Several witnesses initially believed the commotion was caused by children playing. Lee Darling stated, “The screams seemed to go on for about five minutes, so I came out to investigate.” He described, “The dog had half of the person’s arm in its mouth, but not just locked on – it was shaking her.” “I thought it was coming off; it was horrendous; I can’t unsee it,” he added. He also mentioned that his five-year-old son accompanied him outside, and he was relieved the child was not attacked. Charlotte Lewis reported that the attack occurred directly outside her residence, leading her to feel cautious around other dogs. She observed, “There were just people standing around, not knowing what to do.” “Had it have been a person attacking the young girl I’m sure people would have got involved quicker,” she speculated. She continued, “I thought about stepping in, but it was a very stocky, big dog, even when the police came they didn’t know exactly what to do, it was only when the dog section arrived that they got it in a van.”