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Thursday, Jul. 29, 2010

Dogs thought to have attacked woman still quarantined

Animals haven't been aggressive since being impounded.

HILMAR -- Four dogs that allegedly attacked a 44-year-old woman July 16 on August Road are still being held by animal control pending further investigation, even though the 10-day quarantine ended Monday.

The dogs are being held in protective custody, said Rick Blackwell, animal services manager at the Merced County Animal Shelter.

The four dogs, three Catahoulas and a dachshund-cocker mix, haven't displayed any aggression since being impounded, Blackwell said. However, being in an unfamiliar environment may affect their temperament.

The dogs will be released once the investigation and findings are complete, assuming they are determined to be safe, he said.

The owner of the dogs couldn't be reached for comment.

To decide if the animals are vicious, their interaction with the staff at the shelter is monitored and statements are taken from witnesses and others who have seen or interacted with the dogs, Blackwell said.

"We take this very seriously," he said. "We have zero-tolerance for aggressive dogs. We want to make absolutely sure that if for whatever reason those animals are returned, that we've done our due diligence to ensure the safety of the public."

The victim of the attack received numerous stitches and might need plastic surgery, said Danette Toso, the victim's sister. The stitches were removed Monday, and she'll find out in about a week if she needs plastic surgery.

"Part of her calf is just gone," Toso said. "It could still fill in decently, but it's not going to be the same without plastic surgery."

The victim suffered one bite to her left arm and two bites to her left leg, said Deputy Tom MacKenzie, spokesman for the Merced County Sheriff's Department.

The victim reportedly went onto her neighbor's property that morning to discuss an ongoing dispute when she was attacked, MacKenzie said. She was able to get away from the dogs and back to her property.

The family of the victim claimed she did nothing to incite the attack, while the owner of the dogs claimed she agitated them, provoking the attack.

After getting back to her property, the victim was taken to Emanuel Medical Center for treatment.

The shelter plans to have the reports on the incident completed by Friday afternoon, Blackwell said. After the reports are finished, they'll be turned over to the county counsel and district attorney.

According to the California Food and Agricultural Code, a dog that is deemed vicious can be put down or impounded for the rest of its life. However, those decisions can be appealed.

Reporter Mike North can be reached at (209) 385-2453 or mnorth@mercedsun-star.com.