A woman was bitten and her dog left fighting for life after an "unaccompanied Pitbull type dog" attacked them near a lake in Middlesbrough — before police shot the animal dead at the scene.
The assault happened on Saturday afternoon at Hemlington Lake, where the victim was walking her pet. Cleveland Police said the attacking dog was "dangerously out of control" and set upon the pair without warning. The woman sustained a bite to her body, but officers said it is not believed to be serious.
“Woman bitten and her dog seriously injured in Pitbull attack near Middlesbrough lake; police destroy dog at scene.”
Her dog was not so fortunate. The animal suffered "very serious injuries" and was rushed to a veterinary practice by police officers, where it is now undergoing emergency surgery. Its current condition is not known.
Assistant Chief Constable Dave Sutherland said: "Initial indications are that a member of the public was walking her dog when she was approached by an unaccompanied Pitbull type dog which then attacked her pet."
He added: "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."
The decision to destroy the attacking dog was taken by "specially trained officers" who put the animal down near the lake. Sutherland explained: "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."
Police acknowledged that anyone who witnessed the attack or its aftermath may have experienced shock or distress. Sutherland stressed: "The safety of the public is always paramount."
Enquiries are ongoing. Officers are urging anyone with information to contact Cleveland Police on 101 or via the force website, quoting reference 125672.