A witness reported hearing what he described as “blood-curdling screams” and rushed to the riverbank to assist. Onlookers observed a dog aggressively pacing along the riverbank, growling at Drew. When attempts were made to rescue her from the water, the dog attacked again, only being subdued by a man who intervened, saving Drew from further harm. However, despite escaping with her life, Drew faced severe injuries, requiring plastic surgery on her arm. The bites resulted in deep puncture wounds and nerve damage, causing persistent pain for several months after the incident. The severity of her injuries ranked as a level five on the Dunbar dog bite scale, with the highest level reserved for fatal injuries. Medical professionals noted that if the victim had been a child, the outcome could have been fatal.
The owner of the dog admitted guilt for being responsible for a “dangerously out-of-control dog causing injury.” The court imposed a 12-week suspended prison sentence on the owner, along with a financial penalty of approximately $100 USD in costs and an additional $200 as a “victim surcharge.” Despite the owner’s plea to spare the dog’s life, the judge issued a destruction order, deeming the animal a danger to the public.
The incident experienced by Drew is not only terrifying but entirely preventable, emphasizing the responsibility of every dog owner to leash their pets in public areas, regardless of the time of day. Engaging in a run should never expose individuals to the risk of being attacked or, worse, facing fatal consequences.
