A 38-year-old Reading woman has been left ‘tramatized' after suffering severe injuries in a terrifying dog attack.
The assault happened on Wednesday, October 23, near Northumberland Avenue in Whitley, Reading.
The woman, in her thirties, was attacked from behind by the XL Bully shortly after getting off a bus.
Her brother, John-Paul Dapp, described the condition of his sister after the attack as "serious".
Mr Dapp said: "We are all very angry.
"We know from a local neighbouring resident in the Whitley Estate that the dog and the owner has been reported at least five times previously so this could have been so easily prevented if the police took those reports seriously."
The dog's attack was so severe that the animal attached itself to the side of her head, severing the woman’s ear and scalp.
She attempted to fend off the animal with her hands, but the dog bit through her hand.
She was rushed to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, where she has undergone three surgeries to repair her hand, reattach her ear, and reconstruct her scalp.
Doctors noted that had the dog bitten 2mm deeper into her head, the situation could have been much worse.
Despite her ordeal, the victim bears no ill will towards the dog.
Mr Dapp said: "This was extremely hard on my sister because she is a huge animal lover, and she has said that she doesn’t blame the dog.
"She said that this could have happened with any breed of dog because if poorly trained every dog is dangerous."
He added: "I think that people need to be made aware that this type of thing can happen to anyone and that there should be tighter controls on dogs and their owners."
The police informed the family that the dog has been taken to a kennel to be 'destroyed'.
Police informed the family that a man has been arrested in connection with the incident and released on bail.
Mr Dapp also revealed details of the attack from his sister's perspective.
He said: "My sister has told me that all she remembers is pain when she was attacked from behind and then was dragged down the street.”
Footage of the attack was captured by a passer-by and handed over to the police, aiding their investigation.
The victim is now recovering from her injuries, but remains "absolutely traumatised" by the incident.
She acknowledges the necessity of the dog's destruction for the safety of others.
Thames Valley Police have been contacted for further information.
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