Woman attacked by two dogs in Miami neighborhood
MIAMI - A Miami woman was hospitalized Friday after a dog attack in the area of NW 3rd Court and 64th Street.
The woman identified as Gemma Garcia spoke to CBS News Miami from her hospital bed.
Garcia says she was leaving her home just after 6:30 a.m. Friday when a dog bit her on the arm, legs and backside.
"I started screaming," she says.
A number of neighbors heard the screams and rushed to help.
"I heard her when she fell, that's how hard she fell. They were tearing her up. So I tried to get bullets for my gun. My grandkids were here so I couldn't them so I put on some pants and ran back there. And the guy behind her, he heard it too. It bit him," said one neighbor.
Miami police said when officers arrived they tried to restrain the dogs until animal control arrived.
"Two dogs were attacking a female. Once our officers responded to the scene those dogs actually started running in the direction of our officer. The officer felt endangered and discharged the weapon a few times. Those dogs ran away, so right now we don't have any dogs. We're asking anyone if they see any vicious dogs, call 911 immediately. Our understanding is that the victim did receive some sort of injuries. At any given point these dogs could have taken the life of the victim or our officer," said Miami police Captain Freddie Cruz.
Animal control described the female dogs as being a brown and white terrier mix and a brown terrier mix.
Miami-Dade Animal Services released a statement Friday afternoon, saying that one of the dogs was contained and the other is still at large.
"Animal Services initiated a watch order, and an area canvass was conducted. Efforts to contain the second dog will continue and residents are encouraged to call 311 to advise any sightings of the dog involved in the dog bite incident," the agency stated.
Animal Services also stated that three citations have been issued and additional action may be taken pending the investigation.
"Animal Services wants to remind dog owners that their pets must be safely contained on their property at all times," the agency stated. "The law requires dogs to be leashed whenever they are in public spaces, except for specifically designated off-leash areas like dog parks."
Additionally, Animal Services shared the following safety tips to help prevent dog bite incidents:
- It is best to steer clear of dogs who are loose, behind a fence or tied up. Avoid dogs who are cowering, barking, or growling.
- If an unknown dog approaches you, stay quiet and still. Do not run or scream. Calmly try to steer yourself into a safe area away from the loose dog.
- Ask first when meeting an unfamiliar dog, don't reach out to pet them. Ask their pet parent, "May I pet your dog?" A strange hand in a dog's face may scare them, leading to a bite.
- If you receive permission to pet a dog, let them sniff your closed hand. Then, you may proceed to pet their shoulders or chest. Avoid petting the top of the dog's head. If the dog looks uncomfortable, speak happily to the dog and casually remove your hand. Resist moving abruptly.
- Always supervise children and dogs. Never leave a baby or young child alone with a dog. Teach your children to treat your dog gently and with respect, giving the dog their own space and opportunities to rest.
- When in public, always keep your dog on a leash for the safety of your dog and those around them.
- Pet owners should check their fencing regularly and ensure it properly safeguards their pets from getting out.
- Post clearly visible signage to advise visitors or passersby that there are dogs on your property.
- Use caution when you are entering and exiting your home or yard to ensure pets do not get out.