UNITED KINGDOM -- Police have used a Taser after a wild rottweiler dog attacked an officer, leaving her needing surgery.
The animal left one man injured and unconscious on the floor of a house in north Belfast before biting a policewoman on both hands.
A Taser was discharged at the Oakley Street property but the dog was not hurt.
Chief inspector Andy Freeburn said: "It is a credit to the young constables that they so readily put their own lives at risk to save others.
"I am deeply humbled by their bravery and courage and I wish the member of the public and our colleague a full and speedy recovery."
Police responded to a report that a dog had attacked members of the public, leaving a man injured. He was taken to hospital but his injuries were not life-threatening.
On arrival at the scene, the policewoman was bitten by the dog and sustained serious injuries to both hands which will require surgery.
The Taser was discharged at the animal before it could be controlled and taken into the care of the dog warden. It was uninjured and the circumstances are under investigation. The Police Ombudsman has been informed.
Mr Freeburn added: "Police officers are often called into very difficult and dangerous situations and this was one such incident."
(Farming Life - Feb 3, 2012)
