A 79-year-old man has recalled the harrowing moment he was mauled by two out-of-control Rottweilers in Bognor Regis.
Vic Franklin suffered life-changing injuries on August 18, 2023, when the dogs escaped a property and attacked him while he was walking his own dog. He underwent major surgeries, including amputations to his left leg, right arm, and left hand. Despite the trauma, he remains positive.
“I get down at times, but I pull myself out of it and carry on,” he said.
Emergency services, including specialist firearms officers, were swiftly deployed, and both dogs were put down. Franklin praised the medical teams and first responders, as well as a local resident, Jim Jones, who intervened to stop the attack.
The dogs’ owners, Matthew Roberts, 30, and Chloe Taylor, 27, pleaded guilty to charges under the Dangerous Dogs Act. Taylor received 27 months in prison, while Roberts was given a 12-month suspended sentence and 100 hours of unpaid work. Both were banned from owning dogs for 10 years.
Detective Chief Inspector Ali Hutchings called Franklin “remarkable,” praising his resilience. Authorities hope the case serves as a warning to irresponsible dog owners.
