Lauren Chandler was working a shift at The Gouldings Care Home in Freshwater on 21 July 2024, supporting residents at the reablement centre, when a Dogue de Bordeaux brought in by a visitor suddenly lunged at her as she went over to offer to make him a cup of tea. 

The dog, which was not insured, bit through her lower lip and chin. She was taken to hospital for treatment, but has been left with permanent facial scarring, a phobia of dogs, and ongoing trauma. 

At a sentencing hearing on 12 September 2025 at Isle of Wight Crown Court, the owner received an 18-month suspended sentence after pleading guilty to being in charge of a dangerously out-of-control dog. The court placed the animal back in his care, despite evidence it had previously attacked another person. 

A UNISON member, Lauren, from Freshwater, is now receiving support through the union’s legal services and specialist serious injury solicitors at Thompsons, who are bringing legal action against her employer, the council.  

The claim alleges that had risk assessments been in place before the incident, the council would have been aware that the dog had a history of attacking people — something it had done at least once before. A risk assessment policy has since been introduced. 

Commenting on her ordeal, she said: “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, about whether their owners are responsible, and whether my children and those around me will be safe. 

“To hear in court that this dog had attacked someone before, and yet was still brought into a care home with vulnerable residents, was incredibly hard. What if it had been one of the people I was looking after? They wouldn’t have been able to defend themselves. 

“I love dogs, and I don’t want to see them unfairly judged. But if there are signs a dog may be a danger to others, owners must act before it’s too late. Please take it seriously — because I don’t want anyone else to go through what I have. It doesn’t seem right that a dog that has now attacked two people can be placed back in the care of the same individual.” 

Eduardo Fountoura, solicitor at Thompsons Solicitors, said: “Dog attacks can result in serious, lasting injuries that affect every aspect of a person’s life. This was a dedicated care worker doing her job in a place where she had the right to feel safe - and now she’s living with long-term consequences. 

“Responsible dog ownership is not optional - it’s a public safety issue. We’re supporting our client through this ordeal, and we hope her courage in speaking out leads to greater awareness and change.” 

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