Worthing horse riders terrified by dog attack

Lauren Miller, 16, and 18-year-old Hayley Frank, who is deaf, were attacked by a rottweiler as they rode along the beach.

The dog went for Lauren’s leg and bit the horses, Pepsi and Poppett, in the face, legs and stomach.

The rottweiler chased Hayley’s horse Poppett up a bank before turning on Lauren and Pepsi.

Lauren, who has been riding for eight years, said: “The dog was jumping at Pepsi but it could not reach its nose so it grabbed hold of my right ankle.

“It just took a hold of it and was shaking its head back and forth as if my ankle was a rag doll.

“I had to use all my force to stay on the horse. It's force was almost enough to drag me off and I had to lean completely to the other side to stay on.

“I was so terrified and I was shouting that the dog had just bitten me.

“It was just circling us and was barking its head off.”

The attack on the beach opposite Worthing Yacht Club, near George V Avenue, Worthing, lasted about ten minutes before the owner got the dog under control and ran off.

The dog owner was in his early to mid 30s, unshaven and was wearing a green fleece and jeans.

Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information about the dog’s owner to contact them.

Elaine Frank, Hayley’s mother, said the attack had upset her daughter so much she no longer wants to ride on the beach.

The teenagers escaped with minor injuries but Ms Frank thinks the attack could have been a lot worse.

The 41-year-old said: “Hayley does not want to ride on the beach any more. It's a shame that's been spoilt.

“She has been riding since she was three years old so she is very experienced.

“It would have been different if she was less experienced and the horses were less well behaved. It could have been disastrous.

“It does not bare thinking about if the dog had got Laura down from the horse.”

Anyone with information about the incident, which happened about 8pm on Saturday July 25, should call Sussex Police on 0845 6070999 quoting serial 2316.