A woman is fighting for her life after a dog attack in San Francisco's Tenderloin. The case echoes a fatal attack from 2001 and raises a question many dog owners ask: which breeds are most often involved in serious attacks?
Source: KTVU FOX 2, reported by Jesse Gary.
What Happened
The attack took place Tuesday morning between Eddy and Turk streets, on the 500 block of Larkin Street near Little Saigon. Witnesses watched as the dog mauled the woman and left her motionless on the street. San Francisco police officers separated the victim from the dog and stopped it from attacking anyone else. She was taken to a nearby hospital, where she was last reported in critical condition.
The Dog Died at the Scene
The dog collapsed on Larkin Street after officers intervened and died before animal control arrived. San Francisco Animal Care and Control took possession of the remains.
Investigators are checking whether the dog had a medical condition or had ingested a toxin that changed its behavior. Dr. Thomas Jansen, an emergency veterinarian at Medvet, said emergency rooms do see dogs acting outside their normal temperament because of neurological disease or toxin exposure.
The Diane Whipple Case
Tuesday's attack brings back memories of Diane Whipple, the 33-year-old killed by two dogs in her Pacific Heights apartment building in 2001. Two people went to prison in that case. San Francisco police are now looking for the owner of the dog from Tuesday's attack to check its tags and vaccinations. Investigators have not said whether charges will be filed.
The Most Dangerous Dog Breeds, Ranked
The most dangerous dogs chart shows Pit Bull Terriers ranked highest, with 284 serious bite incidents. Rottweilers followed with 205, and German Shepherds with 168. Mixed breeds were next at 120 incidents, while American Staffordshire Terriers were listed at 99.
Understanding the Risk by Breed
Some breeds cause more severe injuries when attacks happen, mostly because of size and bite strength. But training, socialization, and owner control matter more than breed.
What to Do If a Dog Bites You
- Wash the wound with soap and running water right away.
- Get medical care the same day.
- If the dog is yours, keep its vaccination records ready.
- If it is a stray, report it to local authorities.
If a dog attack causes severe injury, disorientation, or the animal shows signs of rabies (aggression, drooling, difficulty walking), get emergency medical care immediately.