Elderly woman attacked by dog in White Rock, B.C.

WARNING: There is a graphic image of an injured hand at the bottom of this post.

Bylaw officers in White Rock, B.C. are investigating after an elderly woman and her dog were attacked by another dog.

A release from the City of White Rock describes the attacking dog as a pit bull, and says bylaw officers have deemed the dog to be aggressive.

The woman, who is in her 70s, was treated at Peach Arch Hospital for a serious injury to her hand. Her dog was treated overnight for injuries by a veterinarian.

According to a statement issued by thecity, the attacking dog "suddenly appeared from a nearby property" and attacked the woman's dog a significantly smaller animal than the attacking dog.

The woman covered her dog to protect it, sustaining an injured hand in the process.

The city continues to investigate and is considering taking serious action against both the attacking dog and its owner.

"Aggressive behavior by dogs against people and other animals is a serious threat to public safety and will not be tolerated," said White Rock chief administration officer Dan Bottrill in a newsrelease.