NEW YORK — Authorities say a pit bull attacked a central New York woman and latched onto her arm for more than five minutes before a police officer arrived and managed to fend off the dog.
Officials say the attack occurred shortly after 1 p.m. at a home in the Madison County city of Oneida, 25 miles east of Syracuse.
Police say the dog bit the arm of an 18-year-old Canastota woman and wouldn't let go. Officials say the dog shook the woman's arm for at least eight minutes before an officer arrived and used an animal control device to get the dog to let go. The dog then was captured.
The victim suffered from severe lacerations, heaving bleeding and swelling to her arm and was treated at Oneida Healthcare as a result. She was treated and released.
James A. Pethal, 36, of Pennsylvania was charged with having a dangerous dog, in violation of Agriculture and Markets Law. He is scheduled to appear in Oneida City Court March 13.
(Wall Street Journal - March 8, 2012)
