Mother loses arm in HORRIFIC dog attack

A quiet afternoon in Brentwood Park turned into a nightmare when a beloved family dog, Zeus, attacked his owner, Linda Venter (37), and her 11-year-old son, Breyden.

MOTHER LOSES HER ARM IN HORRIFIC DOG ATTACK

The harrowing incident has left Linda seriously injured, with the loss of her right arm, while Breyden recovers from multiple bite wounds.

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According to a report by Maroela Media the incident occurred while Linda was hanging laundry in the backyard, and Breyden played with his rugby ball nearby.

THE BELOVED FAMILY DOG, ZUES, ATTACKED 11-YEAR-OLD BREYDEN

Zeus, who had always been a part of their family, was usually seen playing alongside Breyden. The details of what transpired remain unclear, but suddenly, Zeus turned on Breyden, prompting Linda to intervene to protect her son.

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Philip Stoneman, a chaplain for Trauma Support SA and Linda’s brother-in-law, spoke to Maroela Media on behalf of the Venter family.

In a desperate attempt to save Breyden, Linda grappled with the dog, but Zeus clamped his jaws onto her, causing catastrophic injuries to her right arm.

LINDA GRAPPLED WITH THE DOG TO PROTECT HER SON

Stoneman, who arrived at the scene shortly afterward, described the horrifying scene he encountered.

“I found Breyden face down on the grass, and Linda was on the floor in the kitchen. It was a traumatic sight,”

said Stoneman.

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Linda’s injuries were so severe that emergency protocols were activated, and a helicopter was dispatched to transport her to the Netcare Alberton Hospital.

LINDA’S RIGHT ARM HAD TO BE AMPUTATED NEAR HER SHOULDER

In an effort to save her life, Linda was placed in an induced coma, and her right arm had to be amputated near her shoulder.

She also sustained grave injuries to her left arm and both legs.

Meanwhile, Breyden was admitted to the Netcare Linmed Hospital in Benoni, where he is recuperating from injuries to his face, arm, leg, and buttock. He is said to be recovering well.

BOTH MOTHER AND SON ARE STILL IN HOSPITAL RECOVERING

Linda’s husband, Marius, now faces the heart-wrenching task of commuting between two hospitals daily to be with his wife and son during this challenging time.

Tragically, Zeus, who was once a cherished member of the family, displayed continued aggressive behavior even when inspectors from the Animal Protection Association (DPA) arrived. In the face of this danger, the decision was made to euthanize him.

To ease the financial burden on the Venter family, a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy has been launched.

THE DECISION WAS MADE TO EUTHANIZE ZEUS

The campaign aims to cover medical expenses, rehabilitation, prostheses, and the anticipated loss of income for Linda.

Stoneman concluded, “People’s support will help the family cover further medical expenses, rehabilitation, and prostheses, as well as the foreseeable loss of income for Linda.”

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