Robin Hunt came home from work last Friday evening, opened the garage door at her Cynthia Way home and was greeted by her pet Labrador, Shalynn.
Hunt went to get the mail and when she returned the Akita ran from the across the street, sniffed her dog and “grabbed” Shalynn’s throat, Hunt said.
Hunt said she started screaming, got the Akita to release her dog, then was attacked by the Akita.
Hunt has welts under eyes, scratches, bruises and stitches around her right temple from the attack.
At one point, Hunt says, the Akita was dragging her on the ground. She said the dog’s owner, Ernest Wilson, witnessed the attack.
The 1-year-old Akita, Gracie, has been quarantined by animal control and a dangerous dog hearing has been scheduled for March 20.
Gracie could be euthanized, pending the result of the hearing, said Capt. Lee Anne Smith, who is in charge of animal regulation for the city of Redding and Haven Humane Society.
Wilson disputes Hunt’s story.
He contends his neighbor made the mistake of getting in the middle of a dog fight. He also thinks money is motivating Hunt.
“The lady jumped in the middle of a fight to break it up,” Wilson said. “In the process of a fight taking place, she got some bumps and bruises, some cuts.”
Wilson doesn’t concede the injuries Hunt suffered came from his dog.
“I don’t know why she jumped in the middle of a dog fight,” he said.
Smith of animal control said Gracie will be held until the March 20 hearing. She said Gracie has a current rabies vaccine, but the Wilsons were cited for not having a dog license.
“We have no complaints on record for this dog,” Smith said.
Smith said the Wilsons are cooperating and Gracie has exhibited no aggressive behavior while she has been in quarantine.
(redding.com - February 21, 2013)
