A woman has died after a dog attack Wednesday at an animal-boarding facility in Phoenix, police said.
The attack occurred at Canine Country Club and Feline Inn near 24th and Washington streets, police said.
The woman, who was not identified, had significant injuries from bites and was found in a dog exercise area, said Sgt. Jonathan Howard, Phoenix police spokesman.
The 59-year-old woman volunteered for a rescue group called Akita Advocates, said Jose Santiago, a spokesman for Maricopa County Animal Care and Control, which also responded to the scene. He confirmed that the dog involved in the attack was an Akita.
"She was here potentially to socialize the animal to prepare it for adoption when the attack took place,'' Santiago said. "No one actually witnessed the attack.’’
Akita Advocates Relocation Team Arizona, which is based in Glendale, issued a statement on Facebook.
"She passed away while helping rehab an orphaned Akita in the hopes of him becoming adoptable," the post read.
The group also said that out of respect of her death, they would not be answering any questions.
Phoenix police had not confirmed the woman's name as of Wednesday night.
Santiago said a worker at the facility was walking on the grounds when he noticed the dog running free, covered in blood. The worker then found the woman severely injured on the grounds, Santiago said. Workers were able to secure the dog and call 911.
Police responded at 2:44 p.m., Howard said.
Howard said the woman was rushed to a hospital, where she died.
Santiago said the dog was owned by Akita Advocates, which told county officials it intends to take possession of the dog on Thursday and then put the animal down.
Santiago said the county agency will follow up to make sure that takes place, and if it doesn't, the county would investigate further and possibly confiscate the dog.
Greg Donahue, owner of Canine Country Club and Feline Inn, talks about the death of a volunteer who was attacked by an Akita on Dec. 20, 2017. Ryan Santistevan/The Republic
Santiago said Canine Country Club and Feline Inn works with various rescue groups to house animals that are being prepared for potential adoption or for shelters that run out of room. Santiago added that Animal Care and Control also uses the facility at times to house animals.
Greg Donahue, owner of Canine Country Club and Feline Inn, said no one who works at the facility reported seeing the attack.
"It looks like the dog turned on her,'' he said, adding that the woman was a volunteer who visited the facility several times a week for the past few years.
“It’s so tragic,'' he said. "A lot of upset people who’ve never seen anything like this, ever. We’ve never had more than a nip. And this is unbelievable.’’
Donahue said he wasn't sure how long the dog had been at the facility.Police were at the scene investigating Wednesday afternoon.
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Akita Advocates was started late in 2004 to help find homes for displaced Akitas. Since that time, we have rescued over 200 dogs and found new, loving homes for them. We are a very small group of dedicated volunteers for whom rescue is a full-time second job. However, we have a passion about helping dogs who cannot help themselves.
AARTA is a non-profit organization. We are members of CABRA (Coalition of All Breed Rescue AZ), PACC911 (an umbrella organization that sets up adoption events throughout the county), and are recognized as one of ACA’s rescue groups (Akita Club of America).
About Us
AARTA is a 100% volunteer organization existing soley on donations. We work for Akitas who need our help in our "spare" time.
All of our volunteers have pets, families, homes, and jobs of their own, and do this work simply for the love of the Akita breed. Check the AARTA Flyer to find out more about us.