Ex-Player Pennant Mauled by Dog, Dog Hero Saves Him

Former Premier League midfielder Jermaine Pennant, 43, required more than 50 stitches after being viciously attacked by a German Shepherd while walking his American Akita, King, in north London ^[1]. The incident occurred when the German Shepherd lunged at King, prompting Pennant to step in to protect his pet. He was then pounced on and held onto his leg for at least five seconds, suffering four bite wounds ^[2].

Pennant described the attack as 'really scary', recalling how he was on the floor with the dog still attached. He credited King for intervening, saying the dog jumped in to defend him, ultimately fighting the attacker off ^[1]. Despite being covered in blood—some of it not his—Pennant said he forgot his pain when he saw King covered in blood, realizing it wasn’t his own ^[2].

The former Liverpool and Stoke City player was treated in hospital and told he might need surgery for one of the wounds, but ultimately received over 50 stitches ^[1]. He posted an emotional Instagram photo of himself embracing King, calling him a 'legend' and thanking him for saving his life ^[2]. He also credited TV journalist Mimmi Montgomery for helping care for them during recovery.

Pennant, who made 231 Premier League appearances over a 19-year career, retired in 2018 at age 35 ^[1]. He has not reported the incident to police and provided no details about the German Shepherd ^[2]. According to one source, the dog’s owner has not been identified. The attack highlights a broader rise in dog-related incidents, with 29,400 cases of out-of-control dog attacks recorded last year—a surge of 83% since 2020.

The Instagram post detailing the event has drawn nearly 17,000 likes and hundreds of supportive comments, with fans praising King as a hero and wishing Pennant a full recovery ^[2]. The story was first reported by Daily Mail and The Independent.