Dog had leg amputated after being hit by bike sparking debate over ‘arrogant’ cyclists

10.03.2022 - 17:15 / dailyrecord.co.uk

A devastated pensioner is calling for speeding cyclists who race on a path to face tougher measures after his beloved dog lost a leg when it was struck by a bike.

Bob Hutchinson was left heartbroken when his 11-year-old Springer Spaniel, Buddy, was critically injured when a cyclists collided with him.

The pet pooch suffered a badly crushed ankle and two weeks ago had to have his leg amputated.

Now, owner Bob revealed his “beautiful” dog is adapting well to a new life on three legs, however, he now quickly gets tired.

The 74-year-old has been left furious with the accident that happened on a multi-user path shared by dog walkers, families and mums with prams.

Bob, from Bangor, Gwynedd, said action is required before someone is seriously hurt on a route that is being “terrorised” by high-speed cyclists, reports North Wales Live.

After posting a photo of Buddy on Facebook, his comments sparked a huge debate about the rights of cyclists and the dangers they potentially pose to pedestrians and other road users.

Buddy was struck by a cyclist just over two weeks ago as his owner strolled out with two friends and three other dogs.

“He was just ahead of me, slightly to my right, when the cyclist zoomed past me,” said Bob, 74, who lives on the Maesgeirchen estate next to the path.

“We had no idea he was coming. When he hit Buddy, the dog yelped loudly.

“The cyclist dismounted and there was an altercation – he claimed he’d rung his bell, but none of us heard it.”

Buddy was able to limp home with Bob, a retired driver of plant machinery. Two days later, Buddy was again yelping in pain, unable to put weight on his damaged leg.

After a trip to the vets, an x-ray revealed a lower leg fracture and Bob was given three options – to have