'Heaps of blood': Shopper's fingers 'partially severed' during dog attack
A woman has been left with “partially severed fingers” after a dog attack at a shopping centre in Sydney’s south.
The woman was reportedly shopping in Cronulla with her small dog on a lead around 12pm when another dog attacked hers, according to Nine News.
When she attempted to stop the fight, the woman’s hand became clamped inside one of the dog’s mouths and her fingers were partially severed, the publication reported.
“Paramedics treated a 55-year-old woman for serious hand injuries and transported her to Sydney Hospital,” a NSW Ambulance spokesman told NCA NewsWire.
‘There was heaps of blood’
Witnesses described hearing “absolutely blood curdling” screaming and said there was visible blood at the scene.
"One lady came in looking for ice and a plastic bag which made me think maybe she lost a finger or something, because there was a fair bit of blood," Witness Michael McCammon told Nine News.
A 55-year-old woman has had her fingers partially severed as she tried to save her dog from being attacked in an horrific ordeal at Cronulla Mall. @Natalia_Cooper9 #9News pic.twitter.com/UH56Cc519g
— 9News Sydney (@9NewsSyd) September 25, 2020
Another witness told NCA NewsWire the woman was left with a “messed up” hand
“People came from everywhere, so I didn’t see much more until someone emerged with her little dog covered in blood.
“Then I saw the lady who was attacked. Her hand was really messed up. There was heaps of blood and some misshapen fingers … I don’t know if they’ll be able to save them all,” the local said.
NSW police confirmed the woman’s injured dog was taken to a local vet and the other dog was seized by Sutherland Council.
A Sutherland Shire Council spokesman told The Leader staff had responded to an incident in Cronulla Plaza and had seized the animal believed to be responsible for the attack.
"This incident is currently under investigation by NSW Police, and council staff will continue to support this investigation as required," he said.
"Sutherland Shire Council requires all dog owners to keep their pets on a leash at all times when in public areas, unless they are in one of council's designated off-leash areas.
"Council has the power to take action against those who fail to fulfil their responsibilities as a pet owner, including imposing financial penalties, animal management orders or the seizure of any animals that have attacked a person or animals."
Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play.