JAKE AWARDED

Dog Gets Award For Saving Sex Attack Victim

1:10pm UK, Saturday September 25, 2010

Alison Chung, Sky News Online

A rottweiler who stopped a sex attacker in his tracks during an indecent assault of a woman has received a bravery award.

Rottweiler cross Jake is to be honoured his bravery. Photo: South West News Services


Jake, a former rescue dog, was on a walk in a park with his owner when a woman's screams were heard in the distance.

The fearless hound darted off into a woodland area and found Esmahil Adhami, 18, molesting a woman, aged in her 20s.

Jake lunged at Adhami and chased him away - and stayed with the distraught victim, circling her "like he was guarding", until the police arrived.

His owner, Liz Maxter-Bluck, said Jake had been "incredible" during the incident that took place on Hershall Common, Coventry, last July.

Rottweilers don't always get good publicity so it is great to see a Rottweiler being recognised in such a positive way.

Liz Maxter-Bluck, Jake's owner

She said: "I heard shouting and screaming but thought it was just kids but Jake ran off into the woods.

"I went to catch up with him and the next thing I knew this bloke is running towards me a terrified look on his face and Jake is about 2ft behind him."

The attacker has since been convicted of serious sexual assault and jailed for four years.

Jake received his bravery award and a medallion from the RSPCA in recognition of his actions that prevented a life-threatening situation.

Mrs Maxter-Bluck said: "He is such a lovely natured dog and is very nosey so I think that was why he went to investigate that day when he heard the screams. After I called the police he stayed alert and close to us like he was guarding us."

Left: Jake with his proud owner Liz Maxter-Bluck. Photo: South West News Services

She added: "It is brilliant that he is receiving this award from the RSPCA, I am really proud. It is especially touching because we got him from the RSPCA. As soon as I saw him that December in the kennels I wanted him.

DC Clive Leftwich, from Coventry Police, who nominated Jake for the award, said: "From our point of view Jake the rottweiler stopped a serious sexual assault from becoming even worse.

"The dog frightened off the attacker and stayed at the scene until we arrived."

We are also immensely proud of Jake and this story just goes to show that a rescue dog can be a great addition to any family.Glenn Mayoll, RSPCA manager

Glenn Mayoll, manager of RSPCA Coventry Animal Centre which cared for and rehomed Jake in 2008, said his team were "immensely proud" of the courageous canine.

"This story just goes to show that a rescue dog can be a great addition to any family," he said.

"Certain breeds of dogs, such as rottweiler's, often stay too long in rescue kennels but I really cannot stress enough that dogs should never be judged simply by their breed and Jake certainly proves this point.

"It is wonderful that Jake is now part of a loving, caring family and that his brave actions are being recognised."

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