I lost my arm in horror mauling by RSPCA rescue dog – charity KNEW it had attacked before and didn’t tell me
A DOG owner who lost an arm after her pet clamped its jaws on it is suing the RSPCA for more than £200,000.
Police had to Taser American bulldog Kiwi three times and batter it with truncheons to get it to release Joanna Harris.
Joanna, 49, was so badly hurt that doctors could not save her left arm, which had to be amputated.
She said the RSPCA failed to tell her that the dog had attacked two women eight months before it turned on her after biting her other dog, Bo.
Joanna, who was fostering Kiwi with a view to adoption in September 2021, said she could not shake off its grip and went into her garden to ask a neighbour to call police.
It was 20 minutes before officers arrived during which time the dog – which was put down – tried to bite Joanna’s neck.
She said: “It was terrifying.
“Even when the police arrived Kiwi didn’t want to let go.
“The pain was excruciating.
“I knew I was in a bad way but nothing prepared me for the news my arm would have to be amputated.
“I lost a lot of confidence and independence.”
Joanna, of Crowborough, East Sussex, claims the RSPCA was negligent in allowing her to foster a dog it knew was unsafe.
Her lawyer, Chani Dhaliwal, said: “Joanna’s faced an incredibly difficult time coming to terms with the physical and psychological impact of the incident.
“It changed her life forever.”
The RSPCA has denied liability.
It said: “We assess the health and behavioural needs of animals before rehoming.”
The charity said it would take an animal back “if the new owner does not feel happy or safe”.
Joanna’s claim will be heard at London’s High Court.