Pitbull dog kills family poodle and attacks owner after bursting into London home
'I thought the dog was going to kill me,' says Luisa Cieslak
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A woman has been left with potentially life-changing injuries after she was mauled by an escaped pitbull that burst into her home.
Luisa Cieslak said the dog began attacking her pet poodle Cha Cha after it entered through the open back door of her house in Wood Green, north London on 15 September.
As the 61-year-old tried to protect her pet the creature turned on her, sinking its teeth into her hands and leaving deep wounds.
Cha Cha died from her injuries.
Ms Cieslak, who suffers with angina, ileostomy and diabetes, told The Sun that it "was the most terrifying moment of my life."
She added: "I thought the dog was going to kill me.”
After suffering cuts and ligament damage to her hands, Ms Cieslak said she didn't believe they would ever be the same again.
She added that her 98-year-old mother was hospitalised with shock, while her daughter Belinda who was also present at the time of the attack said she felt like she was in a “horror film”.
London's Metropolitan Police confirmed that the pitbull had been seized under the section 1 of the Dangerous Dog Act.
“The dog remains in secure police kennels and inquires continue into the incident. No arrests at this stage,"a spokesperson for the force told The Independent.
The Pit Bull Terrier is one of four dog breeds are banned in the UK under the Dangerous Dogs Act The act due their aggressive natures.
The Japanese Tosa, the Dogo Argentino and Fila Braziliero are also prohibited because they were bred to hunt large animals.
In 2017, a record 7,719 people were admitted to hospital as a result of dog attacks.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments