Police dog helps young boy overcome fear after dog attack in Brandon
A police visit with a specially trained dog has helped a boy regain confidence nearly a year after he was seriously injured in a dog attack in Brandon
A child under the age of 13, who was bitten by a Russian Terrier last August, has begun to overcome his fear of animals following a visit from Suffolk Police.
The boy was taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital for surgery after the dog escaped from a home in Brandon and attacked him, leaving him with a serious leg injury. He was discharged from hospital two days later.
The dog’s owner, 61-year-old Dermot Bradley-Beacham of Thetford Road, Brandon, was later sentenced at court. He received a two-year suspended prison sentence and was ordered to pay £2,400 in compensation after admitting to being in charge of a dangerously out of control dog that caused injury.
The boy told police at the time that he had wanted to become a dog handler when he grew up, but the attack had left him too frightened to go near animals apart from his own pets.
Last week, PC Lauren Miller visited the boy and his family, bringing with her police dog Marlow, who is currently training as an explosives detection dog. Together with investigating officer PC Stephen Yates, they spent time helping rebuild the boy’s confidence.
Speaking after the visit, the child’s family said: “It has brought out confidence we haven’t seen in a very long time; it has been lovely to see that little sparkle back.”
PC Yates said: “This brave young lad is now keen once again to pursue his career choice when he has grown up, which is great, and Lauren and I wish him all the best. As our pictures show, Marlow enjoys being the centre of attention and receiving plenty of cuddles.”