Care Worker Left Scarred After Dog Attack Urges Tougher Penalties For Irresponsible Owners

A 44-year-old Island care worker has spoken out following the sentencing of a dog attack case — calling for tougher action against irresponsible dog owners and describing the lasting impact the incident has had on her life.

Lauren Chandler was working a shift at The Gouldings Care Home in Freshwater on 21 July 2024 when a Dogue de Bordeaux, brought in by a visitor, suddenly bit her as she approached to offer a cup of tea.

The dog, which was not insured, caused severe injuries, biting through her lower lip and chin.

Lauren was taken to hospital for treatment and has been left with permanent facial scarring, a phobia of dogs and ongoing trauma.

At Isle of Wight Crown Court on 12 September 2025, the dog’s owner received an 18-month suspended sentence after admitting to being in charge of a dangerously out-of-control dog.

The court also ruled that the animal could remain in the owner's care — despite evidence that it had previously attacked another person.

Lauren, a UNISON member from Freshwater, is now receiving support through the union’s legal services and specialist serious injury lawyers at Thompsons Solicitors, who are pursuing legal action against her employer, the Isle of Wight Council.

They claim that proper risk assessments would have identified the dog’s past behaviour before it was allowed into the care home. A formal risk assessment policy has since been brought in.

Speaking about the aftermath, Lauren said the incident has changed her life:

“I’ve worked in care for years because I love helping people.

"I’ve always loved animals too — and I still do — but this attack has changed everything.

"I’ve been left with scars that I see every day, but it’s the loss of confidence and the constant fear that really stays with me.

“I worry about coming into contact with pets and whether the people around me — including my children — are safe.

“To hear in court that this dog had attacked someone before, yet was brought into a care home with vulnerable residents, was incredibly hard.

"What if it had been one of the people I was caring for?

"They wouldn’t have been able to defend themselves.

“I love dogs, and I don’t want to see them unfairly judged, but owners must act if there are signs their dog could be dangerous.

"I don’t want anyone else to go through what I have.”

Eduardo Fountoura, solicitor at Thompsons Solicitors, said:

“Dog attacks can lead to serious, long-lasting injuries.

"This was a dedicated care worker simply doing her job in a place where she should have felt safe — and she is now living with the consequences.

"Responsible dog ownership is a public safety issue, and we hope Lauren’s bravery in speaking out leads to greater awareness.”

Lauren continues to recover with support from her family, medical professionals, her union and her legal team.