The two dogs, of the breed Dogo Argentino, were taken into custody by Animal Control. Neighbors are hopeful those mauled by the dogs will recover.
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — Four people in Newport News were taken to the hospital after what neighbors are calling a gruesome dog attack.
A spokesperson for Newport News police says officers responded to Barbour Drive for reports of “two vicious canines” on Monday evening, around 8 p.m. Police say four people in total were bitten, and all were taken to the hospital.
One woman who lives right near where the incident happened, with blood stains still on her porch, recounted the moments she watched the attack unfold. She said she was traumatized.
“It’s a terrible thing when you have to lay witness to that and there’s nothing you can do to help,” she said.
One of the victims posted images online of their wounds, which show inch-deep gashes.
The neighbor said she tried to step in and help the woman who was initially attacked. Now, that woman is fighting to keep her arm.
The neighbor said it was the worst thing she’d ever seen. She said the screams for help are still vivid in her mind.
“I just screamed and covered my face, and ran to the other end of the house, and my husband and all the other neighbors cracked the door, and were all yelling, to try and get the dogs away from her. It was just horrible,” she said.
The two dogs, of the breed Dogo Argentino, were taken into custody after the attack by Animal Control, police said. But every single neighbor who spoke to 13News Now said they’ve had close calls with them while out in the neighborhood.
“I am mortified. They were circling the car where I couldn’t get out, after I came home from work. I did call 911 to ask them to come help me get out of the car, because I was scared,” said Courtney Privette, who had lived in the community for decades.
Privette’s daughter, Lara, said she and other kids in the neighborhood have previously had to run in fear from the dogs.
“When I saw them coming after me, I ran. I was scared, I was scared for my life. I was scared they were going to get me,” said Lara Privette.
A similar encounter was shared by neighbor Karen Daley.
“I told him, ‘Run!’ He didn’t even look, we ran. We closed the door. As soon as we closed it, it was like a movie. Bam, the dogs rammed into the door,” said Daley.
Neighbors said the alleged owner of the home where the dogs lived served time in prison for his involvement in the January 6 storming of the Capitol before being pardoned this year. Neighbors said the fear of the dogs has existed since he returned home.
“With his long, extensive rap sheet, I’ve asked my children to stay away. We just stay away,” said Privette.
“These are my neighbors. We go on walks, we always say hi and wave to each other. I love this neighborhood. But that right there is the black cloud that’s here,” said Thomas Payne.
Everyone said they were hopeful those mauled by the dogs will recover.
“How will they recover physically, emotionally, in every sense? I think it’s a very traumatic experience,” said Daley.
While 13News Now was on the scene, barking could be heard from the backyard, from what neighbors said were additional puppies.
13News Now also saw the homeowner while there and attempted to make contact with him, but were unsuccessful.
A spokesperson for Newport News police said they do not know if charges will arise at this time, but that Animal Control is leading the investigation.