A heavily pregnant woman will need plastic surgery after a vicious dog attack.

The 25-year-old was attacked in Waterfall Road, Colliers Wood, while trying to defend her dog from a Japanese akita on April 8, at about 2pm.

The woman, who was bitten on her arm and suffered bruising and swelling to her foot, was taken to St George’s Hospital.

It is believed she will need plastic surgery but will not be able to undergo treatment until after her baby is born.

Following the attack, Colliers Wood Safer Neighbourhood Team seized the dog and arrested its female owner, who has been released on police bail.

Akita dogs originate from Japan, where they were typically bred as hunting dogs but have grown to become an increasingly domesticated and popular breed.

The attack happened just days after London’s Councils, the body representing all 33 local authorities in the capital, launched a campaign urging the Government to introduce tougher laws to tackle “out of control” dogs.

The Metropolitan Police seized 1,107 dogs and destroyed 563 in 2010, rising from 193 and 27 in 2006, while dog attacks cost the NHS £3.3m in 2009.

Last year, Merton police launched Dog Watch in partnership with Merton Council to encourage people to report concerns about dogs.

It will be holding a family event on May 19 from 10am to 2pm in Morden Park where owners can get advice on chipping, agility training and get a free dog health check courtesy of the Blue Cross.

For more information visit merton.gov.uk/dogwatch.

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