THE owner of the dogs which mauled a man in Rishton has said they were not dangerous animals.

Victim Daniel Boardman, 19, was savaged in Sands Road, Rishton, and taken to hospital.

He was left with what police have described as ‘life-changing’ injuries with bites to his arms, legs and buttocks.

Dog owner Mark Rowland, 24, from Baxenden, was arrested on suspicion of possessing a banned dog and bailed pending further inquiries.

His mobile phone was seized by police.

Speaking at the scene yesterday before the dogs were destroyed, Mr Rowland said he had got the dogs as puppies two-and-a-half years ago.

He said: “They are bull mastiffs, not dangerous dogs.

"They are insured, registered and have never fought in their life.

"They’re well-behaved and this has just been an accident.”

Mr Rowland said he had left them with his friend Mr Boardman for the day to go to his dad’s wedding in Clitheroe.

Mr Rowland said he had visited his friend in hospital and added: “He told me the dogs were fighting and he’s gone to pull them apart and they’ve bitten his arm and shaken him.

“Danny walks them all the time and looked after them a few weeks ago while I was on holiday in Egypt and had no problems.

“I don’t want the police to shoot them. They’re family pets.”

Last night he said the dogs – which have now been destroyed – had ‘never fought in their life’ before.

Mr Rowland said they were bull mastiffs, but police are investigating whether they are a banned pitbull-type breed.

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