‘Dog attack’ leaves four-year-old and three others in hospital

Mike Dalton, from Cleveland Police’s Middlesbrough response, said: ‘Once the report was received, officers swiftly attended to the area and the dog was located and seized.

‘As part of the investigation, three people have been arrested and will be questioned while officers establish what took place.

‘I want to take this opportunity to appeal to anyone who has information or footage in the run to and during the bite to please get in touch.’

Any residents who have concerns have been encouraged to speak to officers.

The Malinois breed is a herding dog known for being stubborn, protective, and hard-working.

They aren’t considered to be a dangerous breed and are not banned – in fact, the Metropolitan Police utilises the breed in service.

But the animal rights group PETA says of the breed: ‘One of the most alarming issues with this breed is that they have a gene variant linked to sudden, unpredictable aggression.

‘These dogs can experience ‘episodic rage’ that looks almost like seizures – but instead of losing consciousness quietly, they may lash out violently at anyone nearby.’

In 2024, the breed made headlines after a family pet fatally mauled a seven-month-old baby at a home in Coventry.

Elle Doherty died after suffering serious head injuries in the attack. The dog, a family pet, was later euthanised.

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