A GRANDMOTHER is anxious to trace a dog and its owner after a 'frightening' attack on her and her little grandson in Abergavenny's Belgrave Park.

Liz Barnes revealed how a loose, rusty-coloured terrier "ran like a bullet" towards the toddler who was then jumped on by the excitable pooch.

She complained after the ordeal, "My grandson, who is almost two, was traumatised by what happened and left with a small mark on his cheek."

She is appealing for information about the runaway pet and its owner so she can report the matter to police.

"It was very frightening. A lot of people are looking out for them for me. I hope the woman with the dog has a conscience, and comes forward," said Liz from her home in Haven Way.

The incident happened on Tuesday, March 17, between 1.30pm and 2.15pm.

Liz, 67, was with the toddler and his nine-months-old brother in a buggy, when the dog slipped his lead and struck.

"It jumped all over my grandson. Luckily it was not vicious," she revealed.

She added, "The woman was irresponsible bringing the dog into a park where a toddler was playing.

"I was so upset I had to phone my husband to meet me. Unfortunately when he arrived at the park the woman had gone.

"This time it was just jumping. Next time this dog could do more damage."

She has since written to Monmouthshire County Council to register her concern about dogs in public places who are not kept under proper control.

Tim Bradfield, the authority's green spaces and commercial manager, replied earlier this week, "We have orders in place to allow the council to take action against owners who allow their dogs to foul - but there are no control orders in place to make owners to keep their dogs on leads."

He explained, "With new legislation I am speaking with our Environmental Health section to see what powers we will have to make owners control dogs.

"The problem we will have is the policing of any order as many people tend to take their dogs in the park early morning/late evening.

"In the meantime we can look at putting up advisory signs to encourage people to keep their dogs on leads as it also controls where they mess."