Wounded guide dog was protecting owner

Mr Salt and his guide dog Ossie

A devoted guide dog deliberately tread through broken glass to protect his owner from fast moving traffic.

Highly trained Ossie cut his paws as he waded through a smashed up bus shelter on Manchester Road, Castleton this afternoon (Tuesday 24 March), to protect his beloved owner, Frank Salt, from walking in the road.

Mr. Salt, from Castleton, is angry that Rochdale Borough Council has failed to clean up the mess, after two bus stops and a phone box were smashed up in the past two days.

Rochdale Borough Council have so far been unable to comment, and the mess is still on the pavement, with some spilling into the road (3.30pm).

Greater Manchester Police have confirmed they are investigating the matter, and have requested any information which will help them find the people responsible.

Mr Salt, who is completely blind said: “Ossie had already trodden through the glass before I knew it was there.

“The poor boy would put himself in danger rather than avoid the glass and put me into the busy road.

He was okay and we returned via Royle Barn Road to avoid the glass”.

A spokesperson from Rochdale Borough Council said: "I can confirm the council has swept up broken glass to make it safe for pedestrians and JC Decaux have been called out to repair it. They usually do repairs within 24 hours".