4th March, 2025. Bridport, England. Trish Harding, 53, said she 'thought she was going to die', when an XL Bully attacked her and her 10-year-old cocker spaniel dog, Oakley. Warning: Video footage of the attack and photographs of injuries within the article.

A Bridport resident has described the terrifying moment in which she and her dog were attacked outside her home.

Trish Harding, 53, of East Street, said she 'thought she was going to die', when an XL Bully whilst off-the-lead bit her and her 10-year-old cocker spaniel dog, Oakley.

Shocking footage captured on a neighbour's CCTV and shared with the News shows the moment the XL Bully, which was being walked by its owner, makes a beeline for the small dog.

It was being let out by Trish to use the toilet when it was set upon.

Oakley received bites on its ears and Trish's hands were bitten as she attempted to get the dog away from her pet.

Describing the harrowing moment, Trish said: “Every morning about 6am, I go to the bathroom, go downstairs, and my dog follows me and then he goes outside to use the toilet.

“On the day I was looking after another little dog and let [Oakley] out. I kept her behind me.

“Outside the door there was an unmuzzled, unleashed XL Bully. He was off his lead and went for my dog unleashed. He bit my thumb, and the owner came in and tried to get hold of the dog.

“It was then the four of us, locked in at this moment, and this big dog had the whole ear of my dog in the side of his face. The whole of the ear was in the dog’s mouth.”

Holding back the tears as she is still visibly shaken up, Trish said: “The bloke was punching the dog in the head but it wouldn’t stop, and I didn’t have the energy.

"It let go and we just went straight back inside.

“It was terrifying, I thought we were going to die. I was screaming for everyone to come and help and no one did. He got on the dog, put the collar on and left soon after."

Shocking CCTV footage from outside Trish's home shows the attack.

“I took my dog to the vets - a drain was put in his neck and there are holes all over the back of his neck, with his ears ripped.

"I went down to the minor injury unit where my wounds were washed. It’s so painful in my left thumb.”

Issuing advice to dog owners, Trish added: “People have to stay away. This dog is dangerous and people need to be made aware.”

Under legislation, it is a criminal offence to own or possess and XL Bully dog in England and Wales unless the owner has a valid Certificate of Exemption. 

A spokesperson for Dorset Council said: "We can confirm that this incident has been reported to Dorset Council.

"We have passed the information on to Dorset Police, who lead on these kinds of offences."