Dog 'Savagely' Mauls Volunteer At Animal Shelter In North Haven

NORTH HAVEN, CT — An animal shelter volunteer underwent reconstructive surgery after a dog "savagely mauled" her at the facility on Wednesday in North Haven.

The dog, named Sarge, jumped at the volunteer and mauled her face as the victim tried to enter the dogs' room, according to The Animal Haven.

The volunteer will likely need one or two more surgeries, the shelter said on Saturday.

Sarge has lived in the shelter since July. Although he is a "big, strong dog," he had never shown any aggression before the attack, according to The Animal Haven. The shelter's former dog trainer considered him safe for volunteers to walk.

It's unknown what caused the "sudden change in Sarge's behavior," The Animal Haven said. But rabies is a possibility.

Sarge is being monitored for symptoms and may need to be euthanized.

"Even if Sarge is not ill with rabies, however, given his unprovoked attack of the volunteer, he is a dangerous dog," the shelter said in a statement.

Sarge was vaccinated for rabies when he arrived at the shelter. But if he was infected shortly beforehand, the symptoms could now be emerging, the shelter says.

Veterinary experts recommended euthanizing Sarge so the state could immediately examine his brain and determine whether the victim should be treated for rabies. But since the victim is undergoing preventative treatment for the virus, The Animal Haven says it's no longer required to put him down immediately.

Sarge will be quarantined for at least 10 days to see if he shows any rabies symptoms. If he does, he must be euthanized. But if he doesn't show symptoms, The Animal Haven hopes to find a shelter that can take him in without endangering humans or other animals.

"The Animal Haven's mission is to provide humane refuge for homeless, abandoned, or surrendered cats and dogs, while we strive to find them loving, permanent homes," the shelter said. "In carrying out that mission, however, we also have an obligation to ensure the safety of our staff and volunteers, as well as other animals in our care."

The Animal Haven is a no-kill shelter on 89 Mill Rd.