Dog attack on child prompts investigation in Puyallup

Metro Animal Services leading probe into incident caught on video

Apr. 11, 2026 at 5:50pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a torn, dirty child's shirt sleeve with visible teeth marks, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conveying the disturbing aftermath of a dog attack.A grim reminder of the dangers posed by uncontrolled dogs in residential areas, this close-up of a damaged shirt captures the visceral aftermath of a violent attack on a child.Tacoma Today

An investigation is underway after a dog allegedly attacked a child on a street in Puyallup, Washington. The incident, which was captured on video, shows a large black dog jumping on and biting a child riding a bicycle. A bystander intervened to stop the attack. The Puyallup Police Department has asked Metro Animal Services, which handles animal-related incidents in the area, to review their response to the incident.

Why it matters

Dog attacks on children are a serious public safety concern, and this incident has raised questions about the dog's history and the response from local authorities. The investigation will likely focus on determining the circumstances around the attack and whether any further action needs to be taken regarding the dog or its owners.

The details

The incident occurred on Thursday, April 9 on West Pioneer Avenue in Puyallup. Footage posted on a local Facebook group shows a child on a bicycle being knocked over and attacked by a large black dog. A bystander in a black car intervenes, yelling at the dog to get back, which causes the dog to run away. The child is left visibly shaken and upset.

  • The incident happened on Thursday, April 9, 2026.
  • The video was posted on Friday, April 10, 2026 in a local Facebook group.

The players

Metro Animal Services

The agency that is leading the investigation into the dog attack incident. Metro Animal Services serves several cities in the Puyallup area, including Puyallup, Sumner, Bonney Lake, Algona, Edgewood, Milton and Pacific.

Puyallup Police Department

The local police department that is assisting Metro Animal Services with the investigation and has asked the agency to review their response to the incident.

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What they’re saying

“We find [this] video and incident disturbing. We are so grateful for the citizen who stopped and was able to protect the child and stopped the attack by the dog. Chief Scott Engle has asked Metro Animal Services to immediately review their response to the incident as quickly as possible.”

— Puyallup Police Department

What’s next

Metro Animal Services is expected to complete its investigation into the incident in the coming days and provide an update on any findings or actions taken.

The takeaway

This dog attack highlights the importance of responsible pet ownership and the need for effective animal control measures to protect public safety, especially when it comes to incidents involving children. The investigation will likely focus on determining if the dog has a history of aggression and whether any further steps need to be taken regarding the animal or its owners.