Former Liverpool forward Jermaine Pennant was rushed to hospital after being attacked by two dogs over the weekend. The retired footballer reportedly required more than 50 stitches, with disturbing photographs showing the extent of his leg injuries later emerging.
Pennant, 43, who also represented Arsenal and Stoke City during his playing career, credited his own dog with helping to protect him during the frightening incident.
Speaking from his hospital bed, the former Premier League winger explained what happened while walking his dog in north London.
Pennant had taken his American Akita, King, for a walk when they encountered a German Shepherd. Recalling the terrifying experience, he told The Sun that the other dog initially went after King, prompting him to intervene.
He explained that the situation quickly turned against him, with the German Shepherd attacking his leg and pinning him to the ground for several seconds. Pennant described feeling enormous pressure from the bite before King stepped in to defend him.
According to the former footballer, both dogs became involved in the confrontation before King positioned himself beside him and remained there until help arrived.
Pennant believes his dog played a crucial role in preventing the incident from becoming even more serious, adding that the outcome could have been far worse if King had been a smaller breed.
He revealed that both dogs involved were off their leads but decided against reporting the incident to the police.
His girlfriend, Mimmi Montgomery, arranged an Uber to take him to the accident and emergency department, where medical staff treated four bite wounds on his right leg.
Pennant remained in hospital on Friday night before being discharged. However, he was reportedly informed that plastic surgery might be necessary to treat one particularly large wound.
Following his discharge, the former Liverpool player took to Instagram to share an update on his recovery and reassure followers about King’s condition.
Pennant explained that he had attempted to protect his dog when the German Shepherd attacked, but the situation escalated when the animal clamped its teeth around his leg and refused to release him.
He added that King eventually intervened and fought off the attacking dog, potentially preventing a much more serious outcome.
Although King sustained a small bite to his leg, Pennant said his dog was otherwise unharmed. However, seeing blood covering King initially left him deeply worried, as he feared his beloved pet had been seriously injured.
Pennant admitted that his concern for King briefly overshadowed the severe pain he was experiencing.
Paying tribute to his loyal companion, he described King as his hero for standing by him and trying to protect him throughout the ordeal.
He also thanked his girlfriend, Mimmi Montgomery, for taking care of both him and King during the difficult experience.
