A woman and her dog were attacked by an unaccompanied Pitbull-type dog near Hemlington Lake in Teesside, leading to the destruction of the aggressive animal by police. The incident occurred on 28 June 2026, prompting an immediate response from Cleveland Police.
Attack Details and Immediate Response
The woman was walking her dog when the Pitbull-type dog approached and attacked her pet. The woman sustained a dog bite, which police described as not serious. However, her dog suffered very serious injuries and was taken to a veterinary clinic by officers for emergency surgery. The animal's condition remains unknown.
Cleveland Police stated that due to the serious nature of the incident and the potential risk to other people in the area, specially trained officers had to put the dog down near the scene. 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. 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."
Public Safety and Ongoing Investigation
Police are appealing for witnesses to contact them via 101 or the force website, quoting reference 125672. Sutherland added: "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."
Reports were made to the force of a dog being dangerously out of control. Enquiries are ongoing as authorities seek to understand the circumstances leading to the attack.
