BBC Radio Manchester DJ Mike Sweeney has revealed that he bitten by a dog while out in a pub in Oldham over the weekend.
But in a strange turn of events, the dog owner blamed Mike for walking past it.
The Salford music legend was at a pub in Saddleworth with his wife Viv, and was walking to the bar inside the pub when a terrier-type dog bit him on the leg and ended up breaking the skin and leaving teeth marks – but Mike explained that the dog owner said it must have been his fault as the pet “had never done that before”.
Not only that, but Mike said the dog owner also blamed him for “looking like a post man” as he was wearing a red t-shirt.
Mike – who hosts BBC Radio Manchester’s mid-morning show – was also annoyed to discover after he got home that being bitten by a dog is against the law and a crime that can be reported to the police, but he was instead made to feel guilty for what happened.
ADVERTISEMENT
The DJ took to social media to vent his frustrations after the incident.
In a post on his Facebook page, 73-year-old Mike said: “Don’t normally post stuff like this on social media, however, I got bitten by a dog in a pub at the weekend and I’ve only just found out that actually it’s a crime.
ADVERTISEMENT
“I love dogs and most dog owners, but the attitude from the two of them in charge of this irascible little animal was really shocking… “It’s not bitten you”, “it’s never done that before”, “it’s your fault for walking past it”.
The Salford music legend was at a pub in Saddleworth with his wife Viv when the incident happened / Credit: Unsplash (Amie Johnson)
He continued: “Although the woman was quite apologetic, the man wasn’t.
“I felt that they thought I shouldn’t be near their dog and what had happened was an inconvenience that had spoilt their day.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Mike said that he immediately left the pub after the incident occurred so that he could properly tend to the wound at home with antiseptic wipes, telling the MEN: “I’m just hoping it doesn’t get infected as I’m going on holiday soon.
“But I’ve potentially got a dog bite scar on my leg forever.”
Since sharing the incident on social media, Mike said his post “exploded” with about 100 comments from shocked people – “and not had one person who says you shouldn’t walk past a dog in a pub,” he added.
After having been advised to report it to the police, Mike explained to the MEN that he’s reflecting on what to do next.
Mike was annoyed to later discover that being bitten by a dog is against the law / Credit: Facebook (Salford Lads Club)
“I only found out yesterday from a friend that it’s now a crime, I thought it was a civil matter,” he said.
ADVERTISEMENT
“But you are advised to report it on 101 so that the owners can be contacted to say ‘look your dog has bitten someone you maybe need to review how you deal with that and what control or not you have over the animal’.
“I’m having a think about what to do next.”
Featured Image – BBC Radio Manchester
Trending
Stretford’s free neighourhood festival returns this weekend
Danny Jones
Stretford’s still fledgling and completely free all-day festival is BACK for 2026 and is happening this coming weekend.
So, if you didn’t have plans this Saturday, you do now.
Simply named StretFest, this is the third edition of the now annual celebration in one of Manchester’s fastest growing neighbourhoods – and an increasingly up-and-coming one at that.
Kicking off in the morning and running right into the wee small hours thanks to a healthy dose of varied daytime activities, evening events and de facto afterparties, there’s plenty on the cards.
🎉 It's the big one on Saturday! Stretfest is back & we're thrilled to have a fab selection of LIVE Music on from 3pm – 8pm for it!
We can't wait to greet loads of faces, old and new. #Stretford will be buzzing with activity so come on down & make a day of it ! 🍻 pic.twitter.com/16Rnn5w1qj
StretFest only started back in July 2024, but it has quickly grown into a cult favourite not only among locals living in and around the Trafford town, but also among plenty of people from all over Greater Manchester, with last year seeing more visitors than ever.
Based not just over at Stretford Mall but the surrounding parks, Public Hall, across the bridge and an area they dub ‘The Beach’, there are several distinct but equally vibrant hubs, all offering something different.
For instance, venues like Longford Tap, Head Bar and Stretford Canteen are all involved, as are the likes of the Library and Martin Luther Church, but also recently opened cafes like Swig and Cuppello’s, as well as many, many more.
To be honest, we’ll probably be popping over for all the food and drink alone.
And, of course, there’s going to be plenty of live music, DJ sets, other bits of entertainment, and all-around fun to be enjoyed; there’s even going to be everything from arts, crafts and workshops, to pirates and boat rides.
Getting underway from as early 9am – thanks to the likes of the regular Stretford parkrun crew teaming up with the festival, and Mr & Mrs hosting a coffee morning for their first birthday – there really is going to be something for everyone from start to finish.
You can see the full StretFest schedule or build your own personal day-into-night programme HERE.
As for what else is on the cards for the final few days of March (give or take a couple), you can find out what else is on in and around the ten boroughs down below.
Featured Images — Publicity pictures/Adrian Michael (supplied)/The Manc Group
Trending
Stockport County defender Brad Hills ruled out for the rest of the season
Danny Jones
In a big blow to their promotion push, Stockport County have been hit with a major injury and loss to their first-team squad, as defender Brad Hills has been ruled out for what looks to be the remainder of the season and then some.
Not what Hatters will want to hear with crunch-time in and around the playoffs now well underway.
Having emerged as even more of a starring centre-back this year, following his initial loan spell with the club during the previous campaign, Brad Hills has arguably been one of Stockport’s best and most reliable players in 2025/26 thus far – but not County will have to do without him.
Although the exact severity is yet to be fully revealed, the former Norwich City youth academy graduate is said to have hurt his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
Confirming the news on social media, the Greater Manchester side stated: “We regret to inform supporters that Brad Hills sustained an ACL injury in Saturday’s draw at Luton Town that will rule him out for the foreseeable future.
“Our full focus is on supporting Brad throughout his recovery – we know he’ll come back stronger”
For anyone unaware, ACL tears/ruptures are among some of the worst injuries in football, and depending on the extent of the damage, it can take anywhere between six months and a full year to bounce back.
Safe to say, therefore, that supporters have been left gutted by the update, with one commenting, “Awful, awful news”; another simply wrote, “FFS”.
After typing a very long expletive following the show news, fan podcast The Scarf Bergara Wore wrote: “Wishing Bradley Hills a speedy recovery – come back stronger!
Since becoming a permanent signing back in August, he’s earned multiple man-of-the-match awards in blue and white, not to mention contributed to a decent number of clean sheets. He’ll be a big miss in their backline.
While it’s no doubt a big setback as the League One team looks to get promoted into the Championship, the absence could see manager Dave Challinor reshuffle the pack and perhaps even the formation for the remaining fixtures.
One option is Louie Barry, who – depending on the setup – could finally be set for a return to the pitch after he was signed on a third loan deal this past January, but is still continuing his own rehab following a knee operation.
Put it this way, with not many games left, lots of County fans are probably wishing that the pending and potential further changes in the EFL could have come sooner…
Emily Sergeant -
2nd September 2021 
