Monday, September 29, 2014

Etowah woman in critical condition after dog attack

NORTH CAROLINA -- A 79-year-old woman attacked by dogs as she was gardening at her home Friday is in critical condition after suffering multiple bites and lacerations.

The Etowah resident was attacked by three dogs at about 10:15 a.m. on Little Springs Road in Henderson County. The victim was dragged about 12-15 feet onto a neighbor's property, where she was mauled by the canines, according to a news release from the Henderson County Sheriff's Office.

The victim was unable to use her cell phone to call for help, and "with no one near, she courageously crawled back to her home and contacted her brother for help," the release says.

Her brother took her to Park Ridge Health, where she was listed in critical but stable condition Friday evening and is being treated for numerous bites and severe lacerations.

The dogs suspected in the attack - a black and tan hound mix, black Labrador retriever and a beagle mix - are currently confined at the Henderson County Animal Shelter.

The incident is under investigation by Sheriff's Office Animal Enforcement officers. Preliminary reports indicate that the dogs got loose after their invisible fence/collar system failed, Capt. Steve Carter said.

While dog attacks are hard to prevent, Carter said knowing your surroundings and thinking ahead as to "what if?" and planning a course of action can help. Pet owners should routinely inspect fencing and confinement areas to ensure proper security and operations, particularly with potentially violent dogs.

(BlueRidgeNow.com - September 27, 2014)

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