Dog-gone politics (From Stroud News and Journal)

Dog-gone politics

A CANVASSING election candidate found out about life at the sharp end of politics when his fingers were savaged by a vicious dog lurking behind a letterbox.

The protective hound leapt as Liberal Democrat candidate John Bowen pushed his party leaflet through the letterbox slot while out campaigning in Shortwood, near Nailsworth, on Friday.

Airline pilot Mr Bowen, 46, who needed medical treatment after the attack, said the stealthy mutt had made no sound before his fingers poked through the door.

"There was no warning at all," he said.

"There was no bark or even a flash of colour before it struck. The first thing I felt was a thump and a sharp pain.

"I took my hand out and there was blood all over the place."

The Liberal Democrat, who is contesting the Nailsworth and Minchinhampton seat at Shire Hall, had to have the index finger and ring finger of his right hand bandaged up.

And the plucky politician, who had a neighbour write a note explaining what happened, even returned to the house in a valiant effort to try and deliver the message with another leaflet.

"It didn't bark, it just leapt up again and fastened itself to the inside of the leaflet," he said.

"I took it out again and there were teeth marks in it."

"Most of the candidates I have spoken to say they know someone it has happened to. Apparently, last time somebody was told off for bleeding on the carpet."

The owners of the watchdog have not yet been in touch with Mr Bowen about the incident.