Charges laid in life-threatening Sundre dog attack

RCMP members have laid Criminal Code charges of Aggravated Assault against Rita Phillip, 57, of Sundre in connection with last weekend’s dog attack.

At around 2am Saturday, August 18th, someone called 911 to report a dog attack. Sundre RCMP members responded to the call, and were told that two dogs – believed to be a breed of pit-bull – had just mauled a 26-year-old Calgary woman while she was visiting a home in Sundre Mobile Estates.

RCMP members say when they got inside the home they found the victim unconscious inside the bedroom. Emergency personnel gave her medical attention for serious injuries on her arms and face, and said – at the time – they weren’t sure if she was still alive. They described her injuries as life-threatening. She was later airlifted to a Calgary hospital by STARS Air Ambulance. The victim is still receiving medical attention, but is considered stable.

The officers found the two dogs locked in another bedroom. They say they were agitated and trying to escape. Animal Control was contacted and a local veterinarian sedated and captured one dog.
RCMP say the other dog forced its way out of the room, was acting very aggressively towards them, and charged the emergency workers in the home. The second dog remains under quarantine until further investigation.

“While doing our very best in advancing this investigation, we are also very cognizant of how this incident has impacted the victim, her family, and emergency workers attending the scene”, said Corporal Ryan Hodge, Acting Detachment Commander with Sundre RCMP.

“Even for a seasoned professional, this was a very traumatic scene”.

Officers believe Phillip fled the scene shortly after the incident, and she has not been found. A warrant has been issued for her arrest.

Anyone who knows where Rita Phillip is or has information on this attack that could possibly assist with the investigation is asked to call the Sundre RCMP Detachment at 403-638-3675 or Crime stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

RCMP “K” Division Serious Crimes Branch is assisting with the investigation.