Five people, including two young children, were injured after two pit bulls attacked parkgoers in a Chestnut Street park in Lynn, Massachusetts. Authorities are investigating the incident, and the dogs are now in custody.

Multiple People, Including Two Children, Injured in Pit Bull Attack at Lynn Park

Lynn, MA – July 26, 2025 – A violent dog attack at a public park in Lynn has left multiple people injured, including two young children. The incident took place Saturday afternoon at a playground near Chestnut Street, sparking panic among families gathered there.

Authorities say two pit bulls, believed to have escaped from a nearby residence, entered the park shortly before 3:00 p.m. and began attacking several individuals without provocation.

According to the Lynn Police Department, five people were injured in total. Among them were a 4-year-old girl and a 7-year-old boy, both of whom suffered serious bite wounds. The children were transported to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. While their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening, they are being monitored closely.

Three adults were also hurt in the attack, including a mother who attempted to shield her child from the dogs. All three were treated at the scene by emergency medical responders and later transported to area hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries.

“It was chaos. People were screaming, grabbing their kids, trying to climb the fence,” said witness Daniel Ortiz, who was at the park with his niece. “One dog went right for a little boy, and the other bit a man trying to pull it off.”

Police and animal control officers responded quickly. The dogs were subdued with non-lethal methods, including tasers, and taken into custody by animal control. They are currently being held at an undisclosed location as the investigation continues.

The dogs' owners have been identified, and police are determining how the animals got loose. Charges may be filed, depending on the findings of the ongoing investigation. The dogs’ history and whether there have been prior incidents are also being reviewed.

“This was a terrifying and dangerous situation, especially with children involved,” said Lynn Police Chief Christopher Reddy. “We’re grateful there were no fatalities, but make no mistake — this incident could have ended much worse. We will ensure that those responsible are held accountable.”

City officials have called for a review of current leash laws and enforcement procedures following the attack. Concerns have been raised about the safety of public parks, particularly in neighborhoods with frequent off-leash dog sightings.

Animal control officials confirmed the dogs are under quarantine. A final decision regarding their fate, including the possibility of euthanasia, will be made based on the outcome of the investigation.

In the wake of the attack, local community members are planning a meeting to discuss improved safety measures in city parks.

“This could’ve been anyone’s child,” said Lynn resident Marsha Greene, a grandmother who was just leaving the park minutes before the incident. “We need to make sure something like this never happens again.”

Anyone who witnessed the attack or has video footage is urged to contact the Lynn Police Department.

This story is developing and will be updated as more information becomes available.