A husband has said he is living in ‘complete chaos’ after his wife died in a Rottweiler attack.
Marie Stevens ‘tried to pet’ the dogs on a leash as she walked along Park Lane West in Netherton, Merseyside, on August 18 last year. But the two Rottweilers launched a ‘frenzied attack’ on her, biting her arm and leg repeatedly, the Liverpool Echo reported.
The owners, a man and a woman, reportedly tried to stop the Rottweilers. Marie, 40, underwent surgery following the terrifying attack.
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But two weeks later, on September 3, she collapsed in the bathroom and was found on the floor by her husband Mark. Tragically, she died of a pulmonary embolism, according to autopsy results.
Mark said it was due to injuries he suffered in the dog attack, with a blood clot travelling from his left leg to his heart. Almost a year on, Merseyside Police paid an emotional tribute to his wife as they seek to raise awareness of responsible dog ownership.
Mark said he hoped no other family would have to go through what theirs had to go through. He said: “The death of my wife Marie has left me in complete and utter disarray, the absolute heartbreak I feel is indescribable.
“Marie and I were together for 20 years, and the day she died my life was gone in a second. Everything I knew and loved was gone.
“Marie was a joyful person, everyone loved her and she would do anything for anyone. Marie was only 40 when she died, I should have been planning our future instead of picking flowers for her funeral.
“I hope no family has to go through the hardships our family has experienced and continues to experience every day since Marie’s death.”
Merseyside Police launched Taking the Lead in July last year to offer dog owners in Merseyside important safety tips to help prevent serious injuries, particularly around children. The campaign encourages responsible ownership and safe behaviour.
In 2023, there were 469 violent incidents involving injuries involving dogs (a 21.5% increase on 2022). Under-16 victims were 121, accounting for 26% of all incidents. Other data from police found that dangerous dog crime tends to peak in the summer months, as more children are at home with pets or other people’s dogs.
One way police are trying to reduce the number of dog-related injuries is through public space protection orders (PSPOs), with Sefton Council extending a borough-wide PSPO. The measures are backed by Merseyside Police and apply to anyone with a dog in designated dog control areas in Sefton.
As highlighted on Sefton Council’s website, in designated dog control zones, dog owners must clear up their dogs’ mess, walk their dogs on a leash when instructed by an authorised officer, keep their dogs on a leash in designated areas (such as family areas and pavements) and avoid restricted areas such as indoor play areas and sports pitches.
Supporting the roll-out of PSPOs in Sefton, Chief Inspector Jordan Quinn said: “We want all residents and visitors, whether they own dogs or not, to be able to enjoy Sefton’s many parks and open spaces safely. Sefton Council’s PSPOs are a welcome measure to combat dogs getting out of control.
“The establishment of dog control zones aims to help reduce dog related incidents in Sefton and is part of our ongoing work to educate dog owners about the consequences if they allow their pets, of any breed, to get out of control in a public space. During the summer months you will continue to see high visibility patrols in designated PSPO areas to ensure orders are being enforced.”
Councillor Peter Harvey said: “There are some wonderful places in Sefton where people can enjoy the outdoors with their pets, including our parks, seafront, woodlands and other places. But it’s important that dog owners follow the rules so everyone, especially children, can enjoy our green spaces safely and without fear.
“Our dog control zones are designed to ensure that dogs and people can enjoy them in harmony. In some areas dogs must be kept on a leash. In others dogs are not allowed. Most dog owners in Sefton understand and comply with the Public Places Protection Order (PSPO) for dogs. However, a minority do not and if they ignore the clear responsibilities expected of them they can face fines from our Enforcement Officers.”
Liverpool City Council is also keeping dog control PSPOs in place until 2025. Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell said: “Over the last few years we have seen the heartbreaking consequences a dog bite can have – too many families devastated and too many animals lost to reckless behaviour. Incidents often increase over the summer holidays and so every dog owner needs to take their responsibilities seriously to reduce dog-related incidents and make our streets and parks safer for everyone.
“High visibility patrols will be carried out to ensure dog owners are behaving responsibly and preventing potentially serious accidents. I would encourage all dog owners to Lead the Way by watching these videos and following expert advice to help reduce the likelihood of dog bites not only in public but also in their homes.”
Inspector Katie Wilkinson added: “I would also ask people to contact the police on 101 if they have concerns about dangerous dogs in their area. Residents should feel safe in the community and if they raise concerns about dogs they will be fully investigated. People can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
Taking the Lead is supported by Merseyside Dog Safety Partnership (MDSP), the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office, Blue Cross, Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, University of Liverpool, Royal Mail, the Communication Workers Union (CWU) and local councils. As part of the Taking the Lead campaign, members of the public can access a series of videos with expert tips and advice on responsible dog ownership and reducing the likelihood of dog bites.
For more information, visit the Merseyside Police website here.
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