Woman Attacked By Police Dog

In Mattapan, Massachusetts on the morning of July 22, a 60-year-old woman suffered personal injuries when she was bitten by a Boston police dog.

According to Boston police superintendent William Evans, shortly before 10:30 a.m., Leola Parker was walking her daughter’s miniature pinscher down the street when the unleashed German shepherd attacked her. 

Apparently, the K-9 was going to attack Parker’s dog, but then attacked her when she picked her dog up.

Parker received transport to Boston Medical Center to undergo treatment for injuries to the abdomen and cheek. She also required stitches in her lower lip.

Police commissioner Ed Davis visited Parker in the hospital to personally apologize for the incident.

Parker’s dog received transport to Angell Memorial Animal Hospital to undergo treatment and is expected to be fine.

According to Evans, the K-9 had somehow gotten loose from its kennel and was not on a leash. He said the department has no history of problems with Fritz, the dog involved in the attack.

Fritz stays with Boston K-9 officer William Willis, who was not on duty at the time of the incident.

According to Parker, Willis immediately ran over to offer aid. She said he told her she needed to “sit down” because “(she didn’t) realize how badly (she was) hurt.”

Evans said that Fritz is now in Animal Control’s custody and that there is no threat of rabies because the dog’s vaccinations and immunizations are up-to-date. However, the dog has been quarantined and will be evaluated, as is typical of any dog bite case.

Park said the incident is a reminder for all dog owners to keep their pets on a leash.

According to a police spokesman, Willis is not expected to be disciplined, as the incident appears to be “an unfortunate accident.”