Warning: This article contains graphic images some people may find distressing.
A man attacked by two dogs in east Christchurch is pleading with dog owners to be more careful.
Andrea Tummi was out walking on Tuesday at around 5pm when he was attacked by two dogs on the corner of Dudley St and Stapleton St, just 50m from his house.
He tried to walk past the two dogs on a dual leash but the owner lost control.
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The dogs, described as Mastiff-looking, charged at Mr Tummi, both jumping on him.
He says his first reaction was to step away, however one managed to bite his hip, leaving a number of bite wounds.
The dog owner apologised at first, but allegedly ran away when he saw the blood all over the victim's pants and shirt.
Mr Tummi was taken to Christchurch Hospital where he was given medication and had his wounds tended to.
He didn't manage to get the name of the owner, but did get some photos as he ran away.
A police spokesperson said they received reports a man had been attacked by two dogs and said the Christchurch City Council has been advised.
Mr Tummi also posted to a local community Facebook page in a bid to try track the dog owner down.
"It makes me feel like walking in the neighbourhood is not safe anymore. Luckily it wasn't someone's kid. But if this kind of dog owner is still around, the next victim can be anyone," he said.
Usually, he said he would try to avoid dogs on the footpath, but he said he didn't see these ones as he came around the corner.
"My message is people with these kinds of dogs take it too easy. The leash isn't enough - they need a mask."
Although Mr Tummi says he loves dogs, he thinks owners flout the rules and regulations too often.
"People are afraid to go out because of dogs."
This sentiment is also mimicked by other locals in the Facebook group, who have commented telling how frightened they are.
"I was just walking at that same spot today at 4:30pm with two 7 year olds and my 2 year old. That could've been one of them," one Facebook user wrote.
"This is scary! This is right by my house and I have a baby who likes to go for walks in her stroller," another said.
Others have called the dog owner's action to run away "cowardly" and "despicable", calling for the owner to be prosecuted and the dogs euthanized.
Mr Tummi says he has had a positive response from people in the group, providing information which Mr Tummi can now pass on to police.
Some even recognised the dog owner, describing run-ins with the same dogs and also saying the animals have been seen roaming the streets.
"Those dogs were out of control when we came face to face with him," said one user.
As he heals, Mr Tummi said he's considering himself lucky he wasn't injured further.
He has a message for dog owners: "Don't take it too easy because bad things happen too easily."
The Christchurch City Council has been approached for comment.
Newshub.
