A southeast Nashville block spent Wednesday night dealing with something no neighbor wants to see: a family trip to the hospital after a reported dog attack.
Three people, including a 4-year-old child, were injured on the 1200 block of Anduin Avenue, according to officials. Emergency medics took a 40-year-old man, a 25-year-old woman, and the child to a hospital with dog-bite injuries. The victims told authorities the dog belonged to a neighbor and that it was a pit bull. Metro Nashville Police and Metro Animal Care and Control both responded to the scene.
As reported by WSMV, Nashville Fire Department crews found the injured victims, and medics transported them to a hospital. The station noted that Metro Animal Care and Control is investigating. Officials have released a few additional details, and WSMV reported it has requested more information from the agency.
How Nashville Handles Dangerous Dogs
Metro Nashville’s animal code spells out what counts as a “vicious dog” and allows the city to step in when a dog attacks without provocation. Under the Metro Nashville code, the division of Metro Animal Services must investigate complaints and can impound a dog while court proceedings against an owner move forward.
Recent Incidents And A Strained Shelter System
This latest incident lands in the middle of a rough stretch for dog-related emergencies in Nashville. On June 9, the Metro Nashville Police Department reported that a woman was seriously injured after multiple dogs attacked her inside a McKennie Avenue home, and officers fatally wounded several of the animals at the scene.
The city’s shelter system has also been feeling the squeeze this spring. Metro Animal Care and Control temporarily paused most dog intake after a large hoarding-related intake pushed it to capacity, according to NewsChannel 5.
What Neighbors Should Know
Anyone who witnessed Wednesday’s incident or has video is asked to contact the Metro Nashville Police Department’s non-emergency line or submit tips to investigators.
According to Metro Animal Care and Control, residents should report animal bites through the department’s online “Report an Animal Bite” form or by calling 615-862-7928 so officers can respond and document the case.
Authorities have not yet released updates on the victims’ conditions or whether any citations or charges will follow. This story will be updated as Metro Animal Care and Control or Metro Nashville Police provide additional information.
