A 21-year-old woman is recovering in hospital today after being viciously mauled by a dog in Richmond yesterday.
RCMP say the woman was trying to draw the dog away from attacking her three-year-old nephew when she was attacked.
Police were called at 1:13 p.m. to a field in the 9200-block of Williams Road. Callers told police that a woman was being mauled by a dog and desperately needed police assistance.
When officers arrived they tried to distract the dog, which was momentarily distracted but then returned to attack the victim and one of the officers. “She was then forced to discharge her service pistol at the dog,” said Cpl. Dennis Hwang.
“Our officers commented that it was a horrifying sight to bear witness to. We see and love dogs as faithful companions and now they were witnessing a scene from their worst nightmare.”
The woman suffered extensive injuries. “She was rushed to local area hospital,” said Hwang. “We have learned that she suffered over 100 bites to her body, a fractured arm, a detached bicep. She is currently undergoing surgery and is listed in critical condition.”
The dog fled but was eventually found and captured. It was not hurt and remains in the custody of the Richmond Animal Protection Society. Originally, Richmond RCMP said it was a large Rottweiler / Pitbull cross, but have now say the dog was a Rottweiler-cross, not a pitbull mix.
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He called their drive to protect the boy “incredibly heroic.”
Another person, not connected to the twins, was also hurt in the attack.
A 73-year-old man jumped the fence to get into the park and try and help the woman.
“Prior to our officers arriving, a Good Samaritan attempted to intervene, but was also attacked by the dog,” said Hwang. “He unselfishly put himself in harm’s way in order to protect a fellow human being. He was also treated in hospital suffering from lacerations to his hand.”
“It was a miracle that our officers were unharmed.”
An investigation has revealed that the dog is known to the twin victims and is owned by a boyfriend of one of the women.
“Our Victim Services Unit has been engaged in this very difficult matter,” said Hwang. “We are thankful to Richmond City Bylaws officers and Richmond Animal Protection Society (RAPS) officers for their assistance.”
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