A WORCESTER woman has raised concerns after finding out that a dog which attacked her son is to be re-homed by a local charity.

Jess Sanders took on Freddie, a two-year-old labrador/staffie cross, from the RSPCA Worcester and mid-Worcestershire branch in June but returned him after only two days when he left her and son Connor, nine, needing medical treatment.

The RSPCA recently advertised for another new home for Freddie.

The charity disputes he is dangerous, but says as a precaution he will not be rehomed with children. Mrs Sanders, aged 32, contacted your Worcester News after seeing an article in Berrow’s Worcester Journal describing Freddie as a “lovely, calm, easy-going dog, very friendly and affectionate” who “loves company and enjoys walks”. She said her son, who was eight at the time, was bitten eight or nine times when the dog attacked him while playing in the garden and a cut on her arm required 14 stitches.

“I just don’t want anyone else to go through that,” she said.

“I don’t blame the dog, he seemed so chilled and was so good with my son but he went crazy.”

The dog ran and jumped at the youngster, scratching him and biting his thigh before turning his attention to Mrs Sanders when she tried to protect him.

Connor is now petrified of dogs.

Geraldine Haynes, trustee and dog rehoming co-ordinator for RSPCA Worcester, said Freddie would not be re-homed with children or where children could visit.

“We don’t believe Freddie is a dangerous dog,” she said.

“Since this happened he has been assessed over several months and also by a professional, following RSPCA procedures, and in the assessor’s opinion this was a one-off as he was frightened and spooked.

“He has never shown any signs of aggression and we do not feel this was the dog’s fault, that is why we feel he deserves a second chance.”

Mrs Haynes said all rescue dogs required time and space to settle after being rehomed and no dogs should be left alone with children, especially rescue dogs.