At a Glance
- A woman was rushed to hospital after her three dogs attacked her in her Northeast Philly backyard Monday morning
- Police shot the dogs to end the 9:11 a.m. assault on the 2800 block of Sebring Road
- She sustained severe bite injuries to her face, leg and arm
- Why it matters: Pet owners are reminded that even familiar animals can turn aggressive without warning, prompting urgent safety questions
Philadelphia police opened fire on three family dogs Monday to save a woman being mauled in her own yard, leaving neighbors stunned and the victim hospitalized with critical bite wounds.
Attack Unfolds
Officers arrived to find the dogs “actively attacking” the woman behind her Sebring Road home. They discharged their service weapons to stop the assault, according to a police statement released Monday afternoon.
- Time of call: 9:11 a.m.
- Location: 2800 block of Sebring Road, Northeast Philadelphia
- All three dogs were owned by the victim
Injuries & Aftermath
Emergency crews transported the woman to a nearby hospital. Authorities described her injuries as severe bites to the face, leg and arm, though her current condition has not been released.
Police have not confirmed whether the dogs survived the gunfire. An investigation remains active and additional details have yet to be disclosed.
Key Takeaways
- A woman was critically injured by her own dogs inside her fenced yard
- Police intervention with gunfire was required to halt the attack
- The animals’ fate and the victim’s updated condition are still unknown
- Investigators continue to piece together what triggered the mauling
The incident underscores the unpredictable nature of animal behavior and the split-second decisions officers face when lives are at risk.
