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An investigation is under way after a guide dog was attacked by another dog.

The attack happened as the guide dog’s owner and his partner were walking in the area near to St Hilda’s Church on the Headland, Hartlepool, last month.

A dark brown dog, which is described as having a white face similar to a Staffordshire Bull Terrier and walking off the lead, attacked the guide dog between 11:30am and 12:30pm on Monday, February 3.

The dog was with a white man who is described as being aged in his sixties and wearing a black coat and black hat with a Nike logo on it.

The guide dog ran from its owner onto a nearby road afterwards, but did not sustain any serious injuries.

PC Mark Snowball, of Cleveland Police, 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.”

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 regarding the incident is asked to contact PC Mark Snowball on the non-emergency number 101, quoting event number 018933.

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