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A 57-year-old woman was hospitalized on Tuesday morning after being attacked by a dog at a residence in Hialeah, Florida. Authorities confirmed to NBC6 that the incident occurred at 1115 West 50th Place, where the victim worked as a caregiver.
The woman was bitten on both arms and sustained serious injuries. She was airlifted by the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue team to the Ryder Trauma Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital, where she underwent surgery. Her family told NBC6 that her injuries are not life-threatening.
According to Miami-Dade County Animal Services, the dog involved was an American Bulldog named César, described as an animal that “attacked and mauled a woman inside the home.” The dog was surrendered by the family to the authorities and was euthanized due to its aggressive behavior.
"Due to the aggressive and dangerous behavior of the dog, it was humanely euthanized," reported the agency, which also expressed its wishes for a speedy recovery for the victim and its solidarity with the family.
CBS News Miami added that the woman is related to the residents of the house and was attacked while caring for someone. Videos from the channel show animal control officers removing the dog from the backyard and placing it in a vehicle for transportation. According to the same source, one of the victim's arms was severely mangled.
A neighbor in the area told NBC6 that she initially thought something had happened to the elderly man who lives there, but then, upon seeing the helicopter, realized it was a more serious emergency.
The Hialeah Police and Miami-Dade County Animal Services are investigating the circumstances of the attack. So far, no details have been revealed about what may have caused it.
This case adds to other dog attacks that have occurred in previous years in southern Florida: In January 2024, a three-year-old boy and his grandmother were hospitalized after being bitten by the family’s German Shepherd in southwestern Miami-Dade. The dog was euthanized.
In 2018, a six-year-old girl died in Jacksonville after being attacked by a pit bull that the family was caring for while its owner was on vacation. The animal was placed in quarantine and subsequently euthanized. A year earlier, a four-year-old girl was hospitalized in serious condition after being bitten by a terrier while playing in her backyard in Miami-Dade. The animal was placed under observation by county authorities.
These cases have reignited the debate on responsible pet ownership and the necessary safety measures to prevent similar tragedies.
Frequently Asked Questions about Animal Attack Incidents in Florida
What happened in the Hialeah incident involving the American Bulldog?
A 57-year-old woman was severely injured by an American Bulldog while working as a caregiver. The attack took place at a residence in Hialeah, Florida. The victim was bitten on both arms and was taken to the Ryder Trauma Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital, where she underwent surgery. The dog was euthanized due to its aggressive behavior.
How is the issue of animal attacks in Florida being addressed?
Authorities are investigating the incidents to understand the circumstances and prevent future attacks. Responsible pet ownership and the implementation of safety measures are being promoted. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has also launched public awareness campaigns to encourage safe coexistence with animals like alligators.
What measures are recommended to prevent alligator attacks in Florida?
It is recommended to maintain a safe distance from alligators and not to feed them. Additionally, it is crucial not to swim outside of designated areas, especially during dawn and dusk, to keep pets on a leash and away from the water's edge, and to call the FWC emergency line if a dangerous alligator is spotted.
What are the legal implications of dog attacks in Florida?
In cases of dog attacks, authorities may intervene to euthanize the animal if it is deemed dangerous. Owners may face legal consequences if it is determined that there was negligence in handling the animal. Additionally, civil lawsuits may arise for damages caused by the attacks.
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