A pre-dawn dog attack inside a West Side home left a woman and a teenage girl in serious condition early Sunday, turning a quiet morning into a trip to Stroger Hospital.
The attack happened at about 5:38 a.m. in the 4200-block of West Cullerton Street, according to ABC7 Chicago. The victims, a 25-year-old woman and a 15-year-old girl, were both taken to Stroger and listed in serious condition.
Police said officers at the scene shot the dog. Video later showed animal-control workers removing the animal from the home. Officials have released few other details as investigators and animal-control staff sort out what led up to the attack and what happens to the dog next.
What happens next
Chicago residents who are bitten by a dog are urged to get medical care right away and file a report with Chicago Animal Care and Control, typically by calling 311, so the incident is documented and the animal can be evaluated, the Chicago Sun-Times reports. Under state law, hospitals and medical workers must report dog-bite treatments to animal-control authorities within 24 hours, which helps trigger quarantine and rabies-observation procedures. Keeping photos, medical records and witness information can help both public-health investigators and anyone considering a civil claim.
Legal and public-health follow-up
Under the Illinois Animal Control Act and Chicago municipal rules, a dog that bites a person is usually confined for veterinary observation, generally for 10 days. Legal experts note that owners who hide, sell or euthanize a biting animal before authorities can examine it may face criminal penalties. Animal-control officials can impound dogs and seek a dangerous or vicious designation depending on what their investigation turns up, which can bring extra restrictions and fines, according to Briskman Briskman & Greenberg. Authorities have not said whether any charges will be filed in this case.
This story will be updated as Chicago police and animal-control officials release more information. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Chicago Police or Chicago Animal Care and Control.
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