Hazel Park officer bitten during dog rescue

A Hazel Park woman found herself on the ground in her driveway on Saturday as three dogs lunged at her, a scene that left her with injuries to her neck, arms, and legs. The attack, which police attribute to the dogs reacting to a stray puppy brought into the home, required a rapid and forceful intervention by responding officers.

The first responding officer attempted to break up the attack using a taser, a tool that failed to stop the animals. The situation escalated when one of the dogs turned its attention to the officer, biting her on the thigh. Chief William Hamel stated that the officer managed to dislodge the dog after the bite, creating an opening for the use of firearms.

Following the bite, the first officer discharged her gun, causing that specific dog to run away. A second officer then stepped in and fired his weapon, putting a second dog down. The third dog fled the scene after the gunfire. All three animals were later located and secured at the Hazel Park Dog Pound.

The homeowner is currently recovering from her injuries, while the bitten officer is expected to make a full recovery. Chief Hamel expressed pride in his team's performance, stating that their arrival and actions likely saved the woman's life. He noted that the officers performed well under difficult conditions.

Hazel Park enforces specific regulations for dog owners. The rules require that all dogs be vaccinated and licensed. Additionally, residents are limited to keeping a maximum of three dogs within a single household. These standards are in place to manage the presence of pets in the community.