Richmond dog attack leaves woman in critical condition, others injured

Three people have been injured one critically in a vicious dog attack Wednesday in Richmond, B.C.

Police said oneof the injured, thewoman in critical condition, was bitten over 100 times by a rottweiler crossbreed.

Police were called tothe 9200-block of Williams Road just after 1 p.m. PT after a report that awoman was being mauled by a dog and needed police help.

When officers arrived, they found the woman on the ground, covered in blood and trying to fend off the 35-kilogram dog.

"One of the officers attempted to distract the dog while the other officer tried extracting the wounded victim. The dog was momentarily distracted and returned to re-attack the victim and one of our officers," saidCpl. Dennis Hwang in a statement.

The officerfired her pistol at the dogand it fled. The 21-year-old woman was takento hospital with extensive injuries.

"She suffered over 100 bites to her body, a fractured arm, a detached [biceps]. She is currently undergoing surgery and is listed in critical condition," said Hwang,

"It was a miracle that our officers were unharmed."

2 others also attacked

Police saidthe woman was trying to draw the dog away from attacking her three-year-old nephew, the son of her twin sister.

"Her twin sister also sustained serious injuries, namely, multiple lacerations to her body while defending her son from the dog, said Hwang.

The sister was also taken to hospital, said police. The boy was unharmed.

Athird personwas also attacked when he tried to save the women.

KenBrodie,a 73-year-old neighbour,climbed over a two-metrefence when he heard screaming.

"The dog was scraping at her legs and I tried to pull it off her," he told CBC News.

"I just hope that girl is OK," saidBrodie, who was also bitten by the dog. He needed seven stitches to a hand.

Hwangpraised Brodie's actions.

"I really can't put it into words. The sacrifice, the getting into harm's way. At least that portion to me is pretty uplifting," said Hwang.

Police eventually found the dog. It'sin the custody of the Richmond Animal Protection Society, said police.

"Our investigation revealed that the dog is known to the twin victims and is owned by a boyfriend."

Police have not said if any charges will be laid.

The identities of the victims havenot been released.