Dance Instructor Brutally Mauled by Two Dogs in Welsh Hill Attack
A professional dance and fitness instructor was forced to close his eyes during a horrific five-minute attack by two dogs that left him severely injured and unable to work. Leon Williams, 59, from Margate, Kent, was mauled while taking a morning walk in Caernarfon, Wales, where he had been invited to conduct dance workshops.
The Terrifying Incident on Twthill
The attack occurred on Sunday, March 29, when Williams decided to take a pre-breakfast stroll up Twthill, a viewpoint overlooking Caernarfon. He noticed a man struggling to control two dogs on leads but initially took little notice. Moments later, the dogs were upon him.
"I wasn't anxious or fearful but I decided to take a shortcut back down so he wasn't following me," Williams recalled. "But when I turned to look back, the next thing I knew, they were on me."
Despite being 6ft tall, Williams was bowled over by the shin-high dogs. The larger dog clamped onto his left leg behind the knee while the smaller dog attacked his right leg. He vividly remembers protecting his neck to prevent the animals from causing fatal injuries.
Graphic Injuries and Desperate Escape
"The pain was instant in both legs, especially the left. There was blood everywhere," Williams described. He was pinned down on a grassy slope by both dogs and their owner, who was trying to pull the animals off him.
When the larger dog briefly released its grip, Williams managed to get to his feet and ran desperately, with one dog chasing him. He eventually reached Caernarfon's High Street, where the pursuing animal gave up. Hobbling back to his hotel, he was met by the event organizer and receptionist who immediately called emergency services.
Severe Consequences and Recovery
Williams spent the morning at Ysbyty Gwynedd hospital in Bangor receiving treatment for his wounds and tetanus injections. His injuries were so severe that he had to cancel his return journey home, opting instead to stay overnight in Liverpool.
The dance instructor, who previously performed in Starlight Express and taught on cruise ships, has been forced to cancel all his classes indefinitely. "I've had to cancel all my classes for a while, so I'm not earning," he revealed, highlighting the financial impact of the attack.
Raising Awareness and Seeking Justice
A week after the incident, Williams posted photos of his injuries on Facebook to raise awareness about the danger. "I wasn't looking for sympathy, I just wanted to raise awareness," he explained. "I didn't want anyone else to go through what I'd gone through."
He has decided to press charges against the dog owner, emphasizing that such incidents must not be allowed to happen again. "Had this attack happened to a child or an elderly person, they wouldn't be here today," Williams stated, underscoring the potential fatal consequences of similar attacks.
Lasting Psychological Impact
The trauma has left deep psychological scars on Williams, who thinks about the attack daily. "I've still got my ripped and bloodied trousers – every time I look at them I shake my head in disbelief this could have happened," he shared. "It was horrific and will stay with me for a long time."
North Wales Police have interviewed the dog owner and are investigating the incident. Williams remains determined to ensure greater public safety while acknowledging Caernarfon's beauty and his intention to return despite the traumatic experience.
