A two-year-old pet dog has been injured after being struck by an electric motorbike on a footpath in Poole, England. The rider reportedly left the scene without stopping, prompting Dorset Police to launch an investigation and appeal for witnesses.
The dog, a Jack Russell named Winnie, suffered an injury to her eye along with additional cuts and bruises in the collision. Although her injuries could have been more serious, she is reported to be in a stable condition.
The incident has once again raised concerns about the safety of pedestrians and animals sharing public spaces, particularly where motorised vehicles are not expected to travel.
What Happened to Winnie?
The collision occurred at approximately 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, on the footpath of Harbourside Walk in Poole, near the junction of Green Gardens, Furnell Road and Labrador Drive.
According to Dorset Police, an electric motocross bike struck Winnie while travelling along the footpath. The rider reportedly failed to stop after the collision.
Winnie sustained an injury to her eye, along with several cuts and bruises. Despite the incident, police confirmed that she was in a stable condition.
The incident was reported to the police, who are now working to establish the identity of the rider involved.
Police Appeal for Information
Dorset Police have issued an appeal asking anyone who witnessed the collision or has relevant footage to come forward.
Officers described the vehicle as a dark-coloured electric motocross bike, believed to be a Sur-Ron or a similar model. The rider was reportedly wearing bulky dark blue or black clothing.
Police Constable Neil Wallis, from the Roads Policing Team, said the incident could easily have had far worse consequences.
He also urged anyone who witnessed the collision or captured relevant footage on a dashcam to contact the police and assist with the investigation.
Authorities are particularly interested in information that could help identify the rider and establish what happened before and after the collision.
Why Safety on Shared Footpaths Matters
Footpaths are intended primarily for pedestrians, including children, older people and those walking their pets. When motorised vehicles use these spaces without proper consideration for others, the risk of injury increases.
Dogs walking with their owners can be particularly vulnerable because they may have limited time to react to approaching vehicles. Even a brief collision can result in painful injuries and distress.
Electric motocross bikes, including models similar to the Sur-Ron, are designed for off-road riding. Their use in public spaces is subject to applicable vehicle and road-use regulations. Riders must understand where their vehicles are permitted and follow the rules governing their use.
Incidents like Winnie’s also highlight the importance of responsible riding, appropriate speed and awareness of pedestrians and animals in shared environments.
Dog injured in electric motorbike hit-and-run https://t.co/Vjr9NN7aKy
— BBC Dorset (@BBCDorset) November 12, 2026
How Can the Public Help?
Dorset Police are encouraging anyone with information about the incident to come forward.
People who were in the Harbourside Walk area around 11:30 a.m. on November 11 may be able to help by sharing what they witnessed or checking relevant dashcam footage.
Anyone with information can contact Dorset Police online or call 101, quoting occurrence number 55260177428.
Information can also be provided anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers through its website or by calling 0800 555 111.
The police appeal remains focused on identifying the rider and establishing the circumstances surrounding the collision.
DogExpress Editorial View
Winnie’s injuries are a reminder that public spaces must remain safe for everyone, including the animals who accompany their families on everyday walks.
A moment of carelessness on a shared footpath can have serious consequences. Riders of electric bikes and other motorised vehicles must understand their responsibilities and remain aware of pedestrians and animals around them.
We also believe that incidents involving injured animals deserve timely attention and responsible reporting. When a rider leaves the scene without stopping, it becomes even more important for witnesses to share relevant information with the authorities.
We hope Winnie makes a full recovery and that the ongoing police investigation helps establish what happened. Responsible riding, respect for public spaces and consideration for animal safety are essential to creating safer communities for both people and their pets.
November 12, 2026
