Rottweilers attack teenager and two adult males in Faribault

MINNESOTA -- Three people were injured and two Rottweilers euthanized as a result of an attack by the two dogs in the 1000 block of 1st Ave. NW on Saturday morning.
 
According to a release from the Faribault Police Department, officers responded to a report of a Rottweiler attack late Saturday morning and witnessed part of the attack.

 One male teenager and two adult males were injured in the dog attack, sustaining multiple bite marks, the release said. All three victims were transported by ambulance.

According to Faribault Police Chief Andy Bohlen, one adult male sustained serious injuries to his left wrist, elbow and forearm and was eventually transferred to a trauma center for further treatment. The other adult male and teenager were treated at District One Hospital and released.

The first officer that arrived at the scene observed two Rottweilers in the location of the call. An adult male was approaching the officer and the dogs charged and began to attack this male, according to the release.

One of the attacking dogs then charged the officer, who discharged his handgun at the dog. A witness described this dog as running toward the officer and the first shot was fired at less than five feet.

Bohlen said in the release that the officer was in fear of his own life and the lives of the public. The officer discharged his handgun at this attacking dog and struck the animal multiple times until the charge was stopped. The dog was then tended to by a veterinarian and later euthanized at the scene.

According to the release, the other involved Rottweiler fled the area and was followed by members of the Faribault Fire Department and police department to an area near Two Rivers Park.

Through investigation, police made contact with the apparent owner of the two Rottweiler’s. Police officers, Animal Control and the dog owner then responded to the park where the owner was able to get the remaining Rottweiler in a personal vehicle. The owner transported the remaining Rottweiler to the Faribault Vet Clinic, where it was also euthanized. Rabies testing will be completed on the two animals as they were not current on their vaccinations.

"It is unfortunate that the animals needed to be put down, but these situations change quickly," Bohlen said in the release. "I am grateful for the officer's quick response and coordinated efforts with the Community Services Division and Faribault Fire Department. Additional potential victims were protected because of their swift actions."

(Faribault daily news - Mar 1, 2015)