THE VICTIM of a savage attack by a dog from a travellers' encampment is fearful of the long-term risks to her health.

The dog that delivered the bite is so riddled with mange that vets estimated his age at 13 - in fact he's only a year old. He may have ringworm and mites and a scratch on his nose could mean he's been sent down a badger set and could be carrying diseases. If his owners do contact the police and ask for him back they're likely to be prosecuted under the Dangerous Dogs Act and by the RSPCA for animal cruelty.

One of his nine victims, a 41-year-old from Wimborne, has already had a tetanus and diphtheria jab and antibiotics and is having her dressing regularly changed - but concerns the dog may have been used for badger baiting has prompted her to get tested for tuberculosis.

She said: "I'm left with the possibility of scars, infection and I'm going to have myself screened for TB.

"My leg could be full of all manner of diseases."

The victim was set upon by dogs as she walked through a field off Cowgrove Road, Wimborne. The 20 caravans on site moved to land at Pamphill and on August 23 police and a dog warden seized two dogs and four puppies.

Dog Warden for East Dorset District Council, Michelle Jones, said: "The dogs we picked up were infested with mites and have mange - that can spread to people.

"The dog could well have been sent down a badger set."

Travellers on the site have not claimed responsibility for the dog. They say their dogs were tethered and deny they were responsible.

First published: August 30