Warning: This story contains graphic images that may be distressing for some people.
An Auckland man and his dalmatian dog are on medication and recovering at home after a horrific vicious dog attack over the weekend.
Brendan, whose last name Newshub has agreed not to share, said he and his dog Blue went to the Meola Dog Park in Pt Chevalier for a play date with some of Blue's siblings and nephew.
It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon and Brendan met up with a group of friends who own Blue's brothers, Jett and Loki, and her nephew Cuba.
Brendan and his group of friends were enjoying the sight of their related dogs reuniting and playing around the park before the play date took a horrifying turn.
The Auckland local said a medium-sized dog began to circle and snap at Blue, which eventually became more violent.
"I tried to separate my dog [but] then it got worse."
Brendan describes that out of nowhere the dog "did a death grip" onto Blue's throat and started dragging the dalmatian around by her throat.
Brendan stepped in and attempted to pull the dog's jaw apart but "it was just like cement, it wouldn't let go".
Then finally, after some persistence, the dog let go of Blue's throat but instead latched on to Brendan's hand.
"Which resulted in me having my hands completely ripped up when the dog now was attacking me."
When Brendan got the dog off his hands it then returned to Blue, latching on to her ear. All while the owner of the vicious dog stood and watched the attack unfold.
Brendan said after a terrifying three to four-minute-long attack it all finally came to an end. Brendan looked at the owner and said: "What the f***k's wrong with you."
"Good job," the owner replied.
Brendan said within 20 seconds the owner had disappeared.
And now he's calling for the public's help to find the owner. Brendan describes him as being in his mid-50s, tall lean with short grey hair, a big bushy grey beard and transition glasses
The man's dog is described as light brown tan coloured, medium-sized and 45cm in height.
Brendan's beautiful Sunday turned into him, his five friends and Blue covered in blood and he and his dog injured.
Brendan sustained some serious injuries to his hands from the attack. He's now at home recovering with both hands bandaged up, making day-to-day activities difficult.
"I can't shower, I can't drive, I can barely cut my dinner."
For Blue, she was rushed off to the vet by one of Brendan's friends while he went to the hospital.
Blue was swiftly put under anesthetic where she underwent surgery for the injuries she sustained, costing Brendan $1200.
He told Newshub Blue is the dog of his dreams and hopes the attack hasn't traumatised her.
And despite the injuries Brendan sustained, he said he's proud of what he did otherwise Blue's outcome could have been much worse.
"I don't care that my hands are munted, it will heal, I'm so glad there's no permanent damage to Blue."
And now the local is calling for action to be taken at the popular dog park. He would like to see at least CCTV cameras installed so if this happens to someone else there is evidence of the attack.
"When is something going to happen, action has to be taken at some point - how do you go there ever feeling safe? You just can't."
Brendan swiftly reported the incident to the Auckland Council and police. He said the council have been visiting the park every day to see if the owner he's described is there, with no luck so far.
Do you know more about the attack? Email news@newshub.co.nz
