Woman killed by dog was charged over earlier attack

A woman killed by her dog in Aberdeen had been charged following an earlier attack on another dog, BBC Scotland News has learned.

Michelle McLeod, 41, died at the scene after emergency services attended the incident in the city's Foresterhill Road on Saturday night.

The dog - believed to be an American Bulldog called Bailey - was then destroyed.

Police Scotland confirmed a woman was charged following a report of a dog attacking another dog in the same area in June.

The Police Scotland statement said: "A 41-year-old woman was charged following a report of a dog attacking another dog near to Foresterhill Road, Aberdeen, on Friday, 7 June.

"The injured dog was taken to a vet for treatment to minor injuries.

"A report was submitted to the procurator fiscal."

Neighbour Klaudia Jackowska, 23, described the attack on her border collie, Clyde, and said she reported it to police.

"We have a communal garden and Clyde was running about outside," she told BBC Scotland News.

"Michelle came out with Bailey, she let go of Bailey's lead, and although he was muzzled, it wasn't fitted [properly], he somehow managed to get a grip on my dog.

"I heard my partner scream. I ran out to see what was happening and I saw the dog on top of my dog. I jumped on top of the dog.

"Once I jumped on, the muzzle slipped completely. We had 15 minutes of trying to get the dog off my dog."

She explained: "Clyde had three tiny bite marks. We took him to the vet and he got antibiotics to prevent infection.

"We reported it at the time. We called the police."

She said a dog warden was also called in, adding she was told that nothing could be done unless more reports came in. Aberdeen City Council said it was unable to comment.

Of Bailey's owner's death, Clyde's owner said: "When we heard the news it was a shock."

Ms McLeod's family said in a statement: "She was a much-loved mother, daughter and friend to many and will be sorely missed by all who knew her."

They added: "We are devastated by the loss of Michelle."

Local councillor Deena Tissera said: "It was absolutely devastating to hear about the tragedy of a life taken away because of a dog attack.

"We need to investigate the issue properly, and once that investigation is complete, we need to ensure that we take the necessary steps to ensure that public safety comes first."