Hazel Park woman injured in multi-dog attack
A 39-year-old resident suffered severe wounds after being attacked by three dogs on Saturday night, while one officer was bitten during the rescue.
By Grace Almasi ·
Hazel Park police responded to a residential dog attack on Saturday evening that left a woman hospitalized with severe injuries. The incident occurred in the 1800 block of East Milton Avenue, a few blocks north of 8 Mile Road. Dispatch received a 911 call at 8:17 p.m. reporting the attack.
Officers arrived to find the 39-year-old victim lying on her driveway while being attacked by three dogs: two pit bulls and one Presa Canario. Police stated that the dogs had dragged the woman outside after she took possession of a stray puppy. A resident of the home provided that account to investigators.
Upon arrival, officers deployed a Taser twice at the animals. The device momentarily distracted the dogs but did not incapacitate them. As the pack circled around the victim and the responding officer, one of the dogs bit the officer in the thigh. The officer shot the biting dog, but it survived the initial round.
The wounded dog and a second dog circled back toward the injured woman while the officer attempted to provide aid. A second officer then fired at the wounded dog, killing it. The other two dogs ran from the scene but were later located. Police turned both surviving animals over to the animal control division as the investigation continues.
The victim was transported to an area hospital with severe injuries to her neck, arms, and legs. The injured officer was also taken to the hospital, treated, and released. According to a news release from Police Chief William Hamel, none of the three dogs involved in the attack were registered with the city.
The dogs are reportedly co-owned by the injured woman’s husband. A Presa Canario is a mastiff-like breed. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.
Hamel stated that the surviving dogs remain in the custody of the animal control division. Police have not released further details on the condition of the victim beyond the hospital discharge information provided to media.
