Dog bites man who was trying to steal it while on West Lothian walk with owner

Two men attempting to steal a dog in West Lothian were sent scampering after the dog bit one of them.

Police have launched an appeal after the owner of the German Shepherd/Husky cross was assaulted during an attempt to steal her pet in Livingston.

The assault occurred at around 8pm on Sunday, June 7 on a footpath in a wooded area near Nicholson Way, Knightsridge in Livingston.

The woman was approached by two men on this path who demanded her dog, and when she refused, one of the men grabbed the lead and the other one pushed the woman.

In the ensuing scuffle, the dog bit one of the men causing them both to run in the direction of Livingston North Railway Station.

The woman sustained a minor injury during the incident and the dog was not injured.

The men were described as both white, 5ft and 10 inches and both had what is thought to be Eastern European accents.

One was wearing grey jogging bottoms and the other was wearing dark jeans.

Detective Constable Marc Lunn, Livingston CID, said: "Officers have been checking CCTV from the area as well as making local enquiries, however, are keen to speak to anyone who was in the area between 7.45 pm and 8.15 pm last night.

"It's quite a popular route for walkers so it's possible someone may have seen the two men loitering in the area or running off afterwards.

"If you have any information that may assist police with the enquiry, then please call officers at Livingston Police Office via 101. Please quote reference number 3444 of 7 June, 2020, when calling. Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

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