'Keep them on a lead' says woman who suffered broken ankle

Wendy Eichelbaum, 70, was walking her own dog, Bobby, with her husband on Neatherd moor, in Dereham, when the incident happened.

Two black and white collies, which were being walked off their lead, ran into the back of Mrs Eichelbaum's legs, knocking her to the ground.

Their owner came over and apologised, but did not leave his name with the couple.

Wendy Eichelbaum said she isn't able to walk her 18-month-old spaniel, Bobby, anymore after the injury. (Image: Newsquest)

"He knew I broke my foot," she said. "He could have at least asked our name or found out how I've been doing."

Mrs Eichelbaum is now urging people to keep their dogs on a leash when they are out in public.

Wendy Eichelbaum broke four bones in her ankle, including her tibia and her fibula. (Image: Wendy Eichelbaum)
"Some people argue dogs should be able to run free and if they are trained with recall then it shouldn't be an issue," she added.

"I understand that but you just never know. And if they do know their dog doesn't have recall, then definitely put them on a lead."

Mrs Eichelbaum broke four bones in her ankle in the incident, including her tibia and fibula and has had to have plates put in.

Wendy Eichelbaum still experiences pain and a limp from the incident. (Image: Newsquest)

Since the accident she has not been able to walk Bobby, an 18-month-old spaniel.

"There are so many things I used to be able to do that I can't anymore, including walking Bobby, and it's knocked my self confidence," she added.

The couple also said they have heard from others in the area who have had similar experiences.

Mrs Eichelbaum said: "It is just such a simple decision [to put a dog on a lead] but it could save someone from something really traumatic."

WHAT IS THE LAW?

The government's website says that it is against the law to let your dog be "dangerously out of control" in both public and private spaces.

A dog is considered "dangerously out of control" if it injures someone or makes someone worried that it might injure them.

There is no set law against dogs off a lead in the UK but it is against the law to let your dog become dangerously out of control. (Image: Sonya Duncan)

A court could also decide that a dog is dangerously out of control if it attacks someone’s animal or the animal's owner thinks they could be injured if they tried to stop the dog attacking.

Some local authorities may require the use of leads in playgrounds, sports fields, parks and beaches.

The Highway Code also says dogs should be on short leads near byways shared with cyclists or walking near a road.