Guide dog attacked in 'distressing' incident near to Hartlepool church

The incident happened near to St Hilda’s Church in the town, where a dark brown dog – described as having a white face similar to a Staffordshire Bull Terrier – attacked the animal.

The guide dog was walking with his owner – a man – and his owner’s partner.

The dark brown dog was said by Cleveland Police to be walking off-lead.

Pc Mark Snowball said: “Attacks on dogs are distressing enough, but particularly when their owners are so reliant on their assistance.

“When the guide dog was attacked, it ran into the road and its owners were concerned that this could have caused a collision.

“Fortunately it didn’t, and the dog has no permanent injuries.”

The attack happened between 11.30am and 12.30pm on Monday, February 3.

The dark brown dog was with a white man, described as being in his sixties. He was wearing a black coat and a black hat with a Nike logo on it.

In 2014, dog attacks on assistance dogs were reclassified as an aggravated offence, and penalties can result in up to three years imprisonment.

Debbie Linford, Engagement Officer for the North East, said: “Sadly, every year we hear of more than 100 guide dogs being attacked by other dogs.

“Attacks on guide dogs are extremely distressing for their owners. Not only is the attack itself traumatic, but if the dog has to stop working, then their owner may find it impossible to leave home on their own.

“This is an intolerable situation, we ask the public to ensure their dogs are properly socialised with other dogs and are under control at all times whether they are on or off lead.”Anyone with information regarding the owner of the dog or anyone who may have information about the incident is asked to contact Pc Mark Snowball on 101, quoting event number 018933.

Independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111, or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.