On 02-07-20 at approximately 12:09 p.m., 9-1-1 operators in the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Communications Center began receiving calls regarding a dog attack.
The first 9-1-1 caller stated that her dog(s) got out and was attacking her neighbor.
Operators began receiving other calls almost immediately. Callers frantically told operators that four dogs were attacking a woman and the woman was bleeding badly. Callers also stated that numerous people were present, attempting to stop the attack, but were unable to get the dogs to stop attacking the victim. Neighbors used pieces of gutter, sticks, a lawn chair, etc., to no avail, in an effort to remove the dogs from the victim.
It is believed the attack lasted for five to seven minutes, until the arrival of the first units on scene, Hernando County Fire Rescue. When firefighters entered the backyard and observed the dogs still attacking the victim, they utilized equipment from their fire apparatus to disperse the dogs. This intervention stopped the attack.
The person responsible for the dogs was able to get them back inside the residence.
The victim was treated on scene for extensive injuries then airlifted to a local trauma center in critical condition.
Several others, who attempted to intervene, were also bitten by the dogs. Two adults were transported to a local hospital by Hernando County Fire Rescue. Three adults, who received minor injuries, refused medical treatment.
Animal Enforcement Officers removed seven dogs from 11079 Mayflower Road. It is believed four to five of the dogs were involved in the attack. The dogs were delivered to Hernando County Animal Services.
Preliminary investigation revealed the victim and her small dog were in the victim’s backyard when the dogs spotted them from inside their own residence. It was stated that a slider-door was not closed properly and upon seeing the small dog and victim, the dogs were able to push open the slider and charge them. The victim bent down to pick up her dog and when she did so, she was attacked.
The case is active at this time. Additional information will be released when available.
