ENVIRONMENTAL health officers are appealing for the public s help in identifying the owner of three dogs who nearly killed a young Labrador on Woodbury Common. The attack, which happened between 11am and 11.30am on Monday, January, 25, was witnessed by a

ENVIRONMENTAL health officers are appealing for the public's help in identifying the owner of three dogs who nearly killed a young Labrador on Woodbury Common.

The attack, which happened between 11am and 11.30am on Monday, January, 25, was witnessed by a member of the public who was unable to help at the time but has now come forward to report the incident.

An Exmouth resident was exercising her young black Labrador, off the lead, at the time, as were three other dogs.

When they met, the Labrador was subjected to a horrific unprovoked attack, initially by one Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

Two of them were quickly pulled off by their harnesses, but the third dog remained with its jaw locked onto the Labrador's back leg.

The council and police are keen to trace the person responsible for these dogs, who is described as a woman in her 40s.

She is of slim build, about 5'2 to 5'3" tall, with a thin face and brown shoulder-length hair, wearing a long, pale coloured raincoat.

The Labrador was in a very serious condition when he was taken to the vet and for several days it appeared he might not survive. However, with expert care, he is now recovering.

The attack was extremely upsetting for the Labrador's owner and both the Council and police are concerned that these dogs could attack again.

If you have any information about the owner of these dangerous dogs, please contact environmental health at East Devon District Council on (01395) 517457 or the police on 08452 777444.