Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Australian shepherd responsible for 13 bites on Woodstock police officer

CANADA -- It all seemed to happen incredibly fast when a Woodstock police officer was attacked by a dog while on the job Sept. 23.

Police say Const. Crystal Hough, 34, was repeatedly bitten by an Australian shepherd while following up on an investigation just outside Woodstock. Following the attack she radioed in she needed help.

At the hospital Const. Nikki VanLeeuwen said Hough was “visibly shaken.”

She had received several bites on her lower body, including one that required five stitches.


“She had three significant bites and 10 smaller ones,” VanLeeuwen said. “She’ll have scars.”

Treated and released at Woodstock Hospital, the Woodstock police officer is slated to be off until all of her stitches are removed.

The dog, who had all of its shots, was quarantined but was not euthanized.

VanLeeuwen said it had no history of aggression and was tied up at the time of the surprise attack.

“She was in its range and it got her on the ground quickly,” VanLeeuwen said.

VanLeeuwen said the incident serves as a reminder to exercise caution around unfamiliar animals.

“It’s important for people to realize dogs are dogs and still have certain instincts,” she said. “I don’t think anyone understands why this dog reacted the way it did. It’s important to be cautious and ask if their dog is friendly.”

VanLeeuwen said a second dog attack occurred Monday when a loose dog attacked another dog on Salter Avenue resulting in minor injuries for one canine.

The incident resulted in the dog’s owner receiving a warning.

“Dog owners need to take control of their pets,” she said.

She also suggested installing 'beware of dog' signs on properties that are home to dogs because “dogs are dogs.”

(Woodstock Sentinel Review - Sept 28, 2015)

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