Woman bitten after dog attack as police put animal down near Yorkshire lake
A woman was bitten and her dog seriously injured after they were attacked by an unaccompanied dog near Hemlington Lake, prompting police to put the animal down.
Cleveland Police were called to reports of a dog dangerously out of control near Hemlington Lake on Sunday (June 28).
Initial enquiries indicate a woman was walking her dog when she was approached by an unaccompanied Pitbull-type dog, which attacked her pet.
The woman sustained a dog bite during the incident. Her injuries are not believed to be serious.
Her dog suffered very serious injuries and was taken to a veterinary practice by police officers, where it was receiving emergency treatment.
Assistant Chief Constable Dave Sutherland said: “The lady sustained a dog bite during the incident and thankfully this is not believed to be of a serious nature, however sadly her own dog sustained very serious injuries and was taken to the vet by police officers, where it is currently receiving emergency treatment.
“Unfortunately, due to the serious nature of this incident and the potential risk to other people in the immediate area, our specially trained officers had to put the dog down near the scene.
“We understand that anyone who witnessed the initial attack or the aftermath may have experienced shock or distress however the safety of the public is always paramount.”
Police said enquiries into the incident are ongoing and are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Cleveland Police on 101 or via the force website, quoting reference 125672.