A late-morning walk turned frightening Thursday when a pregnant woman was knocked to the ground and hurt after two loose dogs ran up and attacked in Tacoma’s 4000 block of Puget Sound Avenue. She was taken to a hospital, where she was listed in stable condition. Her smaller dog bolted during the struggle and had not been found by midday.
Tacoma Police Department spokesperson Shelbie Boyd told The News Tribune the incident happened at about 11:05 a.m. The two loose dogs, identified by officers as an American Pit Bull Terrier and an American Bully, approached the woman as she walked to her parked vehicle and went after her smaller dog, knocking her to the ground. Boyd wrote that Tacoma Animal Control later located and safely impounded both animals and that the dogs’ owners cooperated with officers. The injured woman was transported to the hospital in stable condition.
Dangerous-dog process in Tacoma
Tacoma Animal Control has impounded the two dogs, and under city rules, any dog that injures a person is subject to a 10-day quarantine followed by a dangerous-dog investigation. Once that investigation wraps up, owners can request a hearing to contest the findings or any designation placed on their animals. Details on quarantine rules, hearing procedures and potential restrictions are laid out by the City of Tacoma.
Recent incidents have raised questions
The latest attack lands at a tense moment for dog issues in Tacoma. In May, a separate incident at the Tacoma City Marathon left a dog dead, prompting the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County to halt off-site events and commit to reviewing volunteer training and handling procedures. Those changes were reported in May by KIRO 7.
How to report a loose or dangerous dog
Residents who encounter an aggressive or loose dog in Tacoma are urged to call 911 if there is immediate danger to people or animals. For non-emergency situations, Tacoma Animal Control can be reached at (253) 627-7387 during animal-control hours. The city’s Animal Control page lists current hours and guidance for reporting stray or dangerous animals, available through City of Tacoma Animal Control.
Legal implications
If Animal Control or a hearing examiner ultimately rules that the dogs involved are dangerous, the owners could face fines, specific confinement and control requirements, or other restrictions under Tacoma’s animal-control laws. In more serious cases, a hearing examiner has the authority to order that an animal be removed or destroyed. Any outcome will depend on the evidence gathered during the quarantine period and the testimony or documentation presented at a hearing.
