Full Breakdown
Pit Bull-Type Dog Attacks Prompt Police and Animal Control Action in UK and US
6/29/2026, 12:54:50 AM
Attacks
Three attacks involved pit bull-type dogs. At Hemlington Lake, Teeside, a pit bull attacked a woman and her dog; police euthanized it. In Tacoma, a Pit Bull Terrier and Bully attacked a pregnant woman and dog, knocking her down; the dogs were impounded and quarantined. In Eagle Point, a pit bull and puppy attacked Kayla Axtell, causing severe hand injuries; the dog was seized and quarantined.
Injuries
The Teeside woman received a bite; her dog needed emergency surgery. The Tacoma victim was hospitalized with leg wounds, and her dog remains missing. Axtell suffered lacerations, a fractured left hand and arterial bleeding, requiring air-ambulance transport and hand surgery.
Official Responses
Cleveland Police Dave Sutherland said the Teeside dog was euthanized due to seriousness. Tacoma Police spokesperson Shelbie Boyd confirmed two dogs were impounded, will undergo a 10-day quarantine and Dangerous Dog Investigation, after which owners may request a hearing. Animal Services noted the Oregon dog was quarantined and no charges have been filed.
Quotes
- “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.” — Dave Sutherland, Police
- “I came in and grabbed the dog, pulled him off of her, and then I grabbed it by the butt and kind of threw it down over here.” — David Smith, Witness
- “I will advocate for any dog. I don’t care whether it’s a pit bull or a Chihuahua … but after this, I think I’ll probably think twice when I walk past a dog.” — Kayla Axtell, Victim
- “The dog is dangerous and something needs to be done.” — Rose Porter, Neighbor
Witnesses
David Smith heard a scream and pulled the dog off the woman in Tacoma. Boardman, Axtell’s boyfriend, struck the Oregon dog and used his thumb to free her hand. Shelbie Boyd said the victim’s dog fled and remained unfound.
Opposition
Rose Porter, a renter of the Oregon dog owner’s property, said the animal had attacked her and her pets and urged stricter control. Axtell voiced wariness about aggressive dogs despite experiences with pit bulls.
Conflicts
The health of the euthanized Teeside dog was not disclosed. Tacoma officials have not confirmed if the missing dog will be recovered. Oregon authorities have not indicated whether criminal charges will follow the seizure, and the owner’s identity remains withheld.
Future Actions
Tacoma Animal Control will finish the quarantine and release Dangerous Dog Investigation findings; owners may request a hearing. Cleveland Police continue seeking witnesses for the Hemlington Lake case. Axtell plans to see a hand surgeon and consider civil action against the dog’s owner.
