THE family of a visually impaired Wirral teenager are calling for owners to keep their animals under control after a West Highland Terrier attacked their son’s guide dog.

Eighteen-year-old Karl Thompson, from Birkenhead, was on his way to college on Friday morning when the animal went for his black Labrador Ozzie.

Karl, who has autism and epilepsy, was walking along Norman Street with the pooch, when the dog snapped, leaving Ozzie with puncture wounds to his muzzle.

Thankfully, Karl’s support worker Lauren Harding and guide dog trainer Sharon Cousins were just a few paces behind and were able to stop any lasting physical damage occurring.

But young guide dog owner Karl – who has only had Ozzie for a month and is still in the training process – has suffered a set back in confidence.

Ozzie too has been affected and is already showing signs of anxiety when working on the road where the attack occurred.

He will need additional training to help him overcome the ordeal.

While owners whose pets attack guide dogs can face prosecution, the Thompson family do not wish to take the matter further, although it is understood police have spoken to the owner in question.

Dad Peter told the Globe he simply wants to raise awareness of the devastating impact such an attack could have on his son’s progress with Ozzie.

“It’s very frightening – we’re worried now as we don’t want Ozzie to have to be taken off the training programme because he’s so suited for Karl and has made such a difference – he’s the perfect dog.”

Karl uses Norman Street on a daily basis on his way to Wirral Metropolitan College’s Conway Park campus, something which could become a problem if Ozzie continues to show signs of distress when working in the area.

Peter added: “It would be such a shame if this has a long-lasting effect on Ozzie after the amount of time, effort and money that has gone into his training.”

Guide dog mobility instructor Sharon Cousins, who is currently training Karl and Ozzie, said she has seen guide dogs retire as a result of an attack like Ozzie’s.

She said: “When a guide dog is attacked, there is potential for the dog to become worried and anxious around other dogs.

“There have been cases where guide dogs have had to be retired as a result of an attack due to the dog simply not being able to cope with working around other dogs.”

Sharon added: “This partnership is still in the early stages of training and we hope that this incident does not affect the special bond between Karl and Ozzie.”

An average of 10 guide dogs are attacked each month and sadly, Friday’s incident was not the first for Ozzie and student Karl.

Earlier in the week, Ozzie’s tail was grabbed by a Husky-type dog and both dog and owner have also had elastic bands thrown at them by youths.

“Karl can’t see the dog approaching so he’s not aware of what’s happening straight away," explained Peter.

“What if Ozzie had been dragged or ran into the road? Both Karl and Ozzie could have easily been knocked down – it’s frightening.”

Changes in the Anti-Social Behaviour Act mean attacks on guide dogs can see dog owners face up to three years in prison.

Guide Dogs has released this video to show the devastating effect attacks can have on Guide Dogs and their owners:

Linda's story from Yellow Pooch Productions. on Vimeo.