[01-19-2026] San Diego County, CA – Woman and Dog Attacked by German Shepherd in Mission Heights Neighborhood Park

A woman and her dog are recovering after being attacked by another dog while walking in Mission Heights Neighborhood Park in San Diego on Monday evening, January 19, 2026.

According to Morgan E., she was walking her 11-year-old yellow Labrador retriever, Duke, at around 6:45 p.m. when a long-haired black German shepherd suddenly charged at them. 

Morgan said the dog first attacked Duke and then turned on her, biting her arm. The attack lasted for more than a minute while the dog’s owner struggled to regain control.

“The dog attacked Duke and then turned on me,” Morgan said. “Duke was screaming. It was a horrible noise.”

Morgan stated that the German shepherd was on a leash, but its owner was distracted, looking at his phone and appearing unable to control the dog. 

Morgan suffered a badly bruised arm, and Duke sustained severe injuries to his hindquarters, requiring emergency surgery to save his life.

Morgan said the dog’s owner downplayed the attack and refused to help. He declined to call 911, refused to provide contact information, and walked away, leaving Morgan and her dog on the ground.

“He said we weren’t injured, even though there was blood everywhere,” Morgan said.

The owner is described as a white, bald, well-built man in his 50s, believed to live in the Mission Heights neighborhood and own a long-haired black German shepherd.

Veterinary bills have reached about $3,000 and continue to rise. Morgan believes the dog’s owner should be held accountable for the injuries.

Anyone who recognizes the description or has information about the incident is asked to contact the San Diego Humane Society.

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