In a harrowing incident in Brisley, Norfolk, an XL bully dog turned on its owner, a woman in her 60s, resulting in injuries that prompted police intervention. The canine, after attacking its owner, sought refuge in a school car park, where it was ultimately euthanized due to the unavailability of a veterinarian for sedation.
The ordeal began just before 15:00 BST on a Monday afternoon when authorities received a distress call from a member of the public, reporting a woman “screaming for help” from her garden on Gateley Road in Brisley.
Upon arrival at the scene, officers were met with a distressing sight: the owner of the XL bully dog was under attack, suffering multiple injuries. She was swiftly transported to the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital for medical treatment. Thankfully, her injuries, though serious, were not life-threatening.
The dog, which had initially escaped the scene, was tracked down by officers to the village primary school. Unfortunately, due to the unavailability of a veterinarian to safely sedate the animal, the decision was made to euthanize it to protect public safety.
Inspector Diana Woodage expressed the profound sadness of the situation, acknowledging its distressing nature. The incident unfolded in Brisley, a tranquil village nestled between Dereham and Fakenham.
After the attack, the XL bully dog was spotted running toward the Brisley Church of England Primary Academy and ultimately found itself in the school car park. Quick-thinking individuals managed to secure the dog to a post in the car park, ensuring that it posed no immediate threat to the students and staff within the school building.
The school promptly cooperated with the police, heeding their request to close the school gates, evacuate the premises, and guide individuals away from the area, directing them towards a nearby field. Belinda Allen, the head teacher, affirmed that school staff acted promptly in response to the situation, assuring that there was no immediate danger to the school’s occupants.
Norfolk Police revealed that they had diligently attempted to contact several veterinary practices to arrange for the sedation of the dog, but, regrettably, none were available to assist. Faced with the looming threat to public safety and with the consent of the dog’s owners, officers took the difficult decision to euthanize the animal at approximately 16:46.
Inspector Woodage acknowledged the gravity of the situation officers confronted, emphasizing the challenges posed by a vicious dog attack that had left the owner severely injured and in pain. The incident serves as a somber reminder of the critical importance of responsible pet ownership and the complexities that law enforcement officers may face when dealing with aggressive animals.
