Woman seriously bitten by dog ​​while walking in the street, old lady hospitalized in emergency

An 84-year-old woman was hospitalized on Tuesday, September 17, after a dog attack on Rue des Tuileries in La Grand Combe in the Gard. The octogenarian’s life is not in danger.

An 84-year-old woman was hospitalized after being attacked and bitten on the hand by a dog on Tuesday, September 17. The incident took place on Rue des Tuileries in La Grande Combe in the Gard department. While she was walking quietly in the street, a dog – which had come out of an unlocked window of a ground-floor apartment – attacked her and bit her in the arm. The victim was rushed to Alès hospital for surgery.

An investigation has been launched to understand the circumstances of the accident. Two dogs were present but only one is believed to have attacked. “The dogs managed to get out despite the closed door. It was a tragic accident.”the Grande Combe gendarmerie told France 3 Occitanie. The condition of the old woman has not been released.

The dogs were taken into care by the pound and placed at the Vallerargues animal center. “We are waiting for results to know exactly their race”the gendarmerie said. The owner will have to explain.

The regulations are very strict in France. The owner of a dog is responsible for the actions of his animal. In the event of a bite, it must be reported to the town hall, to see if the dog is dangerous.

The owner is exposed to sanctions. Indeed, if a person is bitten and does not suffer serious injuries, a penalty of two years in prison accompanied by a fine of 30,000 euros is incurred. In a more serious case, the penalty can go up to three years in prison and 45,000 euros in fines.

The expertise of a veterinarian, mandated by the prefect of Gard, will make it possible to judge whether the dog is dangerous. Depending on the result, the mayor of Grand Combe, Laurence Baldit, will be able to decide to euthanize the animal.