MASSACHUSETTS -- Two women were transported to the hospital after one of the women’s German Shepherds attacked them.
The two dogs have been quarantined in their Whitman home since Monday after attacking two women; the owner of the dogs and her friend.
The two dogs have been quarantined in their Whitman home since Monday after attacking two women; the owner of the dogs and her friend.
“It sounded like people were just screaming as loud as they could, like screaming, ‘help,’ and stuff like that,” said Dillon Buckley, a neighbor.
Authorities say the dogs went on the attack in their backyard after they were startled by something.
“One dog first attacked her friend and then the other dog joined him. [The owner] came over to try and separate them,” said Officer Bob Hammond, Whitman Animal Control.
Officer Hammond interviewed both victims.
“The lady that owns the dogs, she was bitten the whole right side up and down from her toes up to her shoulders,” Officer Hammond said. “The other lady was bitten on her stomach, thighs, legs.”
Officer Hammond said he wasn’t sure what caused the attack. He said the dogs, which are three and four years old, have been well-cared for, and neighbors said they’ve always been well-behaved.
“I personally don’t know. It was the heat, or maybe the lady had the scent of another dog on her,” Officer Hammond said.
Officer Hammond said the dogs’ rabies vaccinations are up to date. He said that if there are no problems during the 10-day quarantine period, the case will be closed.
“First thing I would do, I would watch them. If there is any aggression at all, I would recommend to put them down ‘cause we got lucky this time no one got facial injuries. That’s where it usually happens,” said Officer Hammond.
Officer Hammond said he does not believe the dog's owner will be cited.
(WHDH - August 14, 2012)
