by Suzyn Barron, President of Warwick Valley Humane Society, Inc.
Did you know rather than have false information spread about the recent bite incident at the shelter I will share the facts since I was present when it occurred.
On April 10th at approximately 5:30 pm, an ACO was walking a dog into the kennels from the outside runs as we normally do on nice days and suddenly the dog attacked her for no apparent reason that we can ascertain. This particular dog, a black lab mix, was an emergency housing intake for a homeless person for two months and was not available for adoption. There was nothing out of the ordinary on this day as he had been taken in and out of his kennel, in and out of the outside exercise runs and had been leashed walked over this period without incident. The dog caused horrific injury to the ACO’s upper arm, thumb and thigh. In her attempt to get away from him, he knocked her down and continued to bite her leg. When I heard her scream I ran to the kennels and found the dog locked onto her leg as she lay helpless. I was able to get the dog to release her so she could escape the kennel and he turned on me, inflicting bites to both arms.
I maneuvered him into an empty kennel once he stopped aggressing and secured him inside. 911 was called and the Warwick Police were there within a minute. The ACO’s injuries required her to be airlifted to Westchester Medical Center where she underwent surgery that same night. I was transported to St. Anthony’s and received stitches in one arm along with IV antibiotics. It was a very traumatic event for all at the shelter and involves both emotional and physical recovery. In reviewing the camera footage of this incident, the ACO could not have done anything different during this unprovoked attack.
FYI, the most effective way to stop an attack when a dog has latched onto a person or another dog is to physically choke them with their collar or a leash. When the dog cannot breathe, it will let go which gives the opportunity to pull away. However, for safety’s sake, continue to choke until they pass out. Otherwise, you run the risk, as I did, of also being attacked. Other methods that are out there are iffy. And shouting, yelling, hitting only encourages the dog to bite harder. When dogs attack, they are in a different mindset. Remaining calm and in control is key. The job of ACOs is varied and includes the possibility of encountering aggressive or frightened animals that may bite or scratch, working in unpredictable environments, facing potential exposure to zoonotic diseases, and receiving threats, social media and verbal abuse, all “for the animals”.
Our ACO is recovering at home with multiple doctor visits ahead and anticipates returning to her job when permitted. Sad but necessary, this dog was surrendered as unsafe and deemed a behavioral euthanasia. He crossed Rainbow Bridge with staff by his side.
Our sincere thanks to 911, Warwick Police, EMS and Medivac for their response, care and professionalism. It was not just another day at the animal shelter.
Pet of the Week:
Small animal adoption applications are available at wvhumane.org or call 845-986-2473 for more information.
