PC Hospitalised After Incident Involving Japanese Akita

Investigations are continuing after a policewoman suffered serious injuries in a dog attack during a routine call to a property in County Durham.

PC Helen Pearson suffered serious injuries to her arms and left hip in the incident last month (August 26th), which reportedly involved a Japanese Akita dog.

The 44-year-old neighbourhood officer was taken to the University Hospital of North Durham for emergency surgery following the incident in Tow Law, when the animal apparently broke free from its chain.

Police are believed to have interviewed the dog’s owners in relation to possible offences regarding the dog attack, under the Dangerous Dogs Act and other legislation.

Irwin Mitchell’s team of specialist injury lawyers represent victims left serious injured as a result of dog attacks, helping them in their search for answers and justice over the physical and psychological trauma they have endured.

David Urpeth, a legal expert in claims related to dog bites at the national law firm, said: “This is another shocking example of the huge impact that attacks of this kind can have on victims, with this police officer suffering significant injuries.

“This incident happened in the same week as a man was sentenced to a year in prison following a dog attack in Sussex, and not long after new figures revealed that hospital admissions for dog bite injuries are on the rise.

“The Government recently completed a consultation on their plans to tackle the issue of dangerous dogs so hopefully we will see clear signs of how they intend to ensure that attacks of this kind become a thing of the past.

“It is, however, a shame that the consultation did not including plans for compulsory insurance or licensing, as these would play a key part in ensuring victims are able to get justice over attacks. This would be particularly important if planned changes to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) scheme, which is currently the only way for many victims to gain access to vital funds, are made.”