Boy, 4, suffers facial injuries after being attacked by Staffordshire Bull Terrier-type dog
Last updated 6th Jan 2025
A four-year-old boy has been taken to hospital with facial injuries after being attacked by a Staffordshire Bull Terrier-type dog in Hawick.
A 35-year-old woman also suffered an arm injury during the terrifying incident, which unfolded in the Wilson Drive area of town around 3pm on Saturday.
The animal - which is described as brown and tan in colour - was last seen heading towards Chay Blyth Place.
The unsuspecting pair had been out walking in the Burnfoot area when they were pounced on from behind.
Police, who have been carrying out door-to door enquiries, are appealing for witnesses.
"The woman and child were both taken to Borders General Hospital for treatment," a spokesperson said.
"Anyone who witnessed what happened, or who may have information that could help identify the owner of the dog responsible, is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 1789 of Saturday, January 4th, 2025."
It's not the first report of dogs roaming free in the area. In February last year, a "brown bully-type dog" was reportedly involved in an attack on another dog in nearby Beattie Court around 5.30am.
It's claimed a man had to kick the animal to protect his dogs, which were on leads. It's unclear if it is the same dog.
A mother, whose own child was injured in a dog attack in Burnfoot in April 2019, when he was aged just six-weeks-old, admitted the incident brought back painful memories.
Commenting on our story, she said: “Absolutely shocking, I feel sick reading it.”
And she added: “It makes me furious if they know whose dog it is and won’t say. Won’t be that if it kills someone.”
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