The former Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant survived a German Shepherd attack that left him needing 50 stitches. The former Liverpool and Arsenal winger was walking his American Akita, named King, off its lead in a north London park.
Sharing the incident details on his Instagram, Pennant said, "So I was attacked by a German Shepherd. I tried to protect King but the dog got my leg.
I was on the floor with the dog still attached with no sign of letting go, until King intervened as he didn't know what was going on." "But the minute he did he fought the dog off and saved what could've been an horrendous situation for me," he continued.
"King was unhurt with a little nip on his leg, but had blood covered all over him which wasn't mine, at this point I forgot the agony I was in, and my heart sank, but it wasn't King's," Pennant recalled. "Still protecting me and trying to look after me." After his pet saved him, Pennant said he took an Uber to hospital where he was treated for four bite marks on his right leg.
Pennant is best known for his Premier League career with Arsenal and Liverpool but also made brief stints for Leeds United, Birmingham City, Portsmouth and Stoke City during his professional football journey. The harrowing ordeal shocked his fans and followers across the globe.
Many social media users expressed their relief and praised the bravery of his loyal American Akita dog named King. Animal welfare advocates have also weighed in on the incident, emphasizing the importance of keeping dogs on leashes in public parks to avoid aggressive encounters between animals.
Pennant has since been recovering at home, sharing updates with his well-wishers regarding his physical health and the healing process of his wounds following the medical treatment. Reflecting on the life-threatening moment, the former sports star noted that his bond with King has grown even stronger after the animal risked its own safety to protect him.
Authorities in London continue to remind pet owners about safety regulations in local recreational spaces to prevent similar dangerous incidents from happening in the future.