He said he heard a growl before the dog “latched on” to his leg and bit through the skin
14:40, 30 Jul 2025Updated 16:43, 30 Jul 2025
Purdown in Bristol, near where Spencer was attacked(Image: N/A)
A Bristol man has made an urgent plea to the public after he was attacked unprovoked by a dog at popular park. Spencer, 59, was running along the cycle path at Purdown yesterday (July 29) when an unleashed collie-cross bit him on the thigh.
Following the attack, Spencer had to use a first aid kit from a nearby cafe, before he was told to go to A&E.
He told Bristol Live: “I remember a bit of a growl. It latched on to my leg – I had to pull it off.” The couple walking the dog – who Spencer said were in their 60s and were also walking three other unleashed dogs at the time – said the dog had never done this before.
However, they also reportedly said the dog was not theirs. Spencer, who was planning to go on a family holiday just a few days later, went into the nearby Boston Tea Party shop to use their first aid kit.
He then went to a pharmacy to ask for advice, but was shocked when the pharmacist told him he had to go to A&E. Not only did he need to check into hospital, he was told he needed a tetanus booster jab and a course of antibiotics.
Warning: graphic image of injury appears below
“It just hurt. It was uncomfortable,” Spencer said. Tetanus (or lockjaw) is a rare but life-threatening illness caused by bacteria infecting a wound.
Spencer spent the rest of the day at Southmead Hospital and was taken aback when staff told him they get five or six patients checking in with animal bites every single day.
Today, Spencer is beginning to heal, although his thigh is now bruised. Thankfully, he’s still well enough to go on holiday.
He’s also reported the dog attack to the police, as it happened on a popular path and he’s scared it could happen to someone else.
Thankfully, the wound has now begun to heal.(Image: NA)
Spencer is warning people that dog bites need emergency treatment, as he didn’t realise this after being bitten. The NHS recommends calling 111 or arranging an emergency GP appointment if you have a wound and have not been fully vaccinated against tetanus, there’s dirt and soil in the wound you cannot get out, the wound is hot or swollen, or if you feel hot or shivery.
You must call 999 or go to A&E if the wound is large or deep, or if you have a stiff jaw, muscle spasms, difficulty breathing, a fast heartrate, or are having a seizure.
A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said: “We were called by a man who reported he was attacked by one of four dogs being walked by a woman off leads in Purdown, Bristol, at around 11am on Tuesday 29 July.
“He suffered a bite wound to the leg and attended Southmead Hospital. He was in shock at the time of the incident and did not take any details of the person involved.
“Anybody who believes they may have witnessed the incident or who may have information, are asked to call 101 quoting reference number 5225213516, or complete our online appeals form.”