Woman Loses Arm In Riverside County Dog Attack

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, CA — A woman who was attacked by two dogs over the weekend in Riverside County had to have part of her right arm amputated due to the severity of the injuries. She remained hospitalized Monday morning, according to officials.

The victim, a 76-year-old woman from Sinaloa, Mexico, was in town for the holidays visiting family in the Desert Hot Springs area. She went out for morning exercise on Saturday and was attacked by two dogs described as pit bull mixes, according to Riverside County Department of Animal Services.

The incident occurred shortly after 8:30 a.m. near the intersection of Thomas Avenue and Kay Road, in an incorporated area just southwest of Desert Hot Springs, officials said.

The woman suffered multiple wounds to her arms and legs. She was transported by emergency responders to a local hospital where doctors determined "her wounds resulted in an amputation of the right arm," according to RCDAS.

"This victim was enjoying some holiday time with her family and just trying to get in some morning exercise. Then this horrific incident occurred. Our hearts go out to her and her family," said RCDAS Interim Director Kim Youngberg.

During an RCDAS investigation it was determined that the dogs involved in the attack were a 1-year-old male and 4-year-old female. Neither animal was altered, according to RCDAS.

The dogs lived at a property with a 6-foot-tall chainlink fence, which is a good height, but the canines were able to escape by digging through soft desert sand underneath the fencing, RCDAS reported.

Both dogs were humanely euthanized at the county’s Coachella Valley Animal Campus in Thousand Palms.

Youngberg said, "These tragedies are preventable and illustrate the critical need for all dog owners to be extra vigilant in keeping their yards secure."

No arrests were announced.

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