In January this year, I was bitten by a small dog, which was on its leash, as I was walking down a Melbourne suburban street. The dog, with no provocation, launched itself at my leg and bit it in multiple places.

I subsequently required four days of hospitalisation, IV antibiotics and two surgical procedures (20 stitches), as well as a protracted course of oral antibiotics and 10 weeks of forced inactivity with my leg elevated.