A woman whose husky was seriously injured in a frightening dog attack is calling for tougher rules to protect people and pets in public spaces.
Marie Hay, from the North East, has spoken out after her dog Naevia was attacked on Redcar beach. The incident also left her daughter injured and several members of the public needing medical treatment after they tried to help.
Marie has said the attack changed how safe she feels around uncontrolled dogs. What should have been a normal walk by the sea quickly became a terrifying situation, with Naevia badly hurt and people nearby trying desperately to separate the animals.
The case has become part of a wider debate about dog control, especially as figures suggest dog attacks have increased in recent years. BBC social posts linked to the report say the North East has been highlighted as having one of the highest rates of dog attacks in the country.
Marie believes the current rules do not go far enough. She wants stronger controls on owners, including tighter rules around dogs being on leads in public places. Her view is that keeping dogs under proper control is not just about protecting other animals, it is about keeping children, walkers and families safe too.
The attack on Naevia happened in 2023, before the XL bully restrictions came fully into force. According to earlier reporting, Naevia was attacked by two dogs on Redcar beach, with Marie saying the dogs were not wearing collars, leads or harnesses, making it much harder for anyone to pull them away.
Naevia’s injuries were so serious that vets feared she might not walk again. Marie also said the cost of treatment could run into thousands of pounds, with insurance only covering part of the bill.
Since then, dangerous dog laws have remained a major public concern. XL bullies are now subject to strict restrictions in England and Wales, meaning owners must have a certificate of exemption, and the dogs must be kept on a lead and muzzled in public. The Guardian reported that Marie backed the ban, but also wanted the government to go further, particularly where children may be at risk inside homes.
Campaigners and victims argue that the law should focus more strongly on preventing attacks before they happen. That could mean clearer lead rules, better enforcement, tougher consequences for irresponsible owners, and more action when dogs are reported as dangerous.
But the issue remains divisive. Some animal welfare groups and dog owners argue that breed bans alone do not solve the problem, because any large or powerful dog can be dangerous if it is badly handled, poorly trained or allowed to run out of control.
For Marie, though, the argument is simple. She believes people should be able to walk their children and pets without fear of being attacked by dogs that owners cannot control.
Her story is a reminder that dog ownership comes with responsibility. A dog being “friendly” is not enough if it is off lead, hard to control or capable of causing serious harm. For families like Marie’s, one uncontrolled moment can leave lasting physical, emotional and financial damage.
