Two People Attacked by Pack of Dogs at South West Farm
A shocking incident at a South West farm left two victims injured by a pack of dogs
Tiverton, UK, Dog Attack, Coombeland Farm, John Hardy
Tiverton: A scary situation unfolded at Coombeland Farm when an 11-year-old girl and a woman were attacked by a pack of red Labradors. The court heard that the owner, John Hardy, didn’t seem too concerned when the girl’s mom told him about the incident.
Instead of showing real remorse, he offered just £80 to the woman for her ruined trousers. It’s wild to think that three of his dogs have been put down since the attack. Hardy, who’s 75, was found guilty of having eight dogs that were dangerously out of control and injuring two people. He got a suspended sentence and has to pay each victim £5,000.
The first attack happened on January 3, 2024. The woman was just delivering hay when the dogs came at her. She got bitten on her legs, arms, and bottom, and it sounded pretty chaotic with dogs barking and hanging off her. Her partner managed to pull her away, but he thought she might not make it.
After the attack, a farmhand rushed her to safety, and she described seeing blood everywhere. Hardy apologized and offered her money for new trousers, but she later turned down his offer for more compensation.
She ended up with 11 wounds, had two surgeries, and spent five days in the hospital. Now, she has scars and feels numbness in her leg. She even shared that she has flashbacks and nightmares about the attack, which is really sad.
The second incident occurred a month later when a woman and her daughters visited the farm. While they were chatting with Hardy, the dogs charged in and attacked one of the girls. It was terrifying, and despite everyone trying to help, the girl got bitten multiple times.
During the chaos, the girl asked her mom if she was going to die. The mom said Hardy seemed calm and didn’t reach out afterward. The girl suffered 36 bite marks and has permanent scars. She’s now dealing with PTSD and is scared of dogs.
The girl’s mom spoke in court about how the attack changed her daughter, who used to be so happy. Hardy initially pleaded not guilty but later admitted to the charges. Three of his dogs have been put down, while the others are under strict control orders.
Hardy is trying to sell his equine business and estate now. He expressed shock and sorrow over what happened. The judge pointed out that the first attack was brutal and that Hardy should have acted sooner. He’s been sentenced to 150 hours of unpaid work and has to keep the remaining dogs under control.