A 21-year-old woman who was mauled by a dog in Richmond earlier this week is now recovering at home.
The woman and her twin sister were attacked by a Rottweiler-cross while trying to protect a three-year-old boy.
While the victims are focused on recovering, an investigation will determine the fate of the dog.
The Executive Director of the Richmond Animal Protection Society says the dog is being held in isolation at their facility. Until the investigation is complete, the animal’s future is uncertain.
“I hear about people getting bitten by their own pets is very often, but for a dog to attack their owner this intensely is really quite something,” said Dr. Rebecca Ledger, an animal behaviour scientist.
Kati Mather suffered more than 100 bites to her body, a fractured arm and a detached bicep.
Ledger said the investigation will focus on the dog and what might have prompted the attack. It isn’t a given that the dog will be put down but she said rehabilitation might not be possible.
“Many dogs that bite can be rehabilitated, but this was a very, very bad attack,” Ledger said. “Even though there are medications and all sorts of treatments that can help animals like this, sometimes the road to recovery is just too dangerous.”
A GoFundMe page has been set up to raise money for the victims, Jessi and Kati. Their friend, Alegria Gomez, said the road ahead will be difficult for the twins, but their focus is now on healing.