A 34-year-old woman from Styria was severely injured on Friday evening in Gratwein-Straßengel (Graz-Umgebung district) by a Rottweiler she was walking herself. The police shot the aggressive dog when it briefly released its grip on the woman. According to a statement from the police, the same dog was reportedly involved in an incident several years ago where it bit a five-year-old child.

According to the police, the 34-year-old was walking the two dogs of an acquaintance. Shortly after 8:00 PM, multiple emergency calls were received by the police, reporting a woman screaming for help. When officers arrived shortly afterward, they saw the woman lying on the ground, being repeatedly bitten by the dog in her legs, hips, and abdomen.

Pepper Spray Proved Ineffective

The police immediately tried to scare the dog away by activating the siren on their patrol car. However, this had no effect, and when pepper spray was deployed, it also proved ineffective. The officers then fired several shots at the approximately 60-kilogram aggressive Rottweiler when it briefly released the woman. The woman sustained bleeding bite wounds and was taken to the Landeskrankenhaus Graz with severe injuries. According to the police, her life was not in danger.

The 34-year-old had been looking after the eight-year-old Rottweiler and another mixed-breed dog during the absence of their 45-year-old owner. It is believed that shortly before the attack, an argument had occurred between the Rottweiler and another passerby’s dog. Soon after, the Rottweiler attacked the 34-year-old, while the mixed-breed dog fled. Initial investigations suggest that both dogs were leashed, and the Rottweiler was also wearing a muzzle. However, a broken leather strap was found at the scene.

Second Incident with the Dog

The police are now investigating for suspected negligent bodily harm. The Rottweiler and its 45-year-old owner are already known to the authorities due to a similar incident. It is reported that the same Rottweiler bit a five-year-old child about three years ago. Following that event, the veterinary office imposed regulatory requirements on the dog’s owner.