Dog attacks woman at dog show

MELBOURNE, Fla., March 26 (UPI) -- Animal Services officers in Melbourne, Fla., say a large dog completing in a local dog show suddenly attacked an elderly woman and nearly severed her foot.

The Akita, owned by Sally Jaffe, attacked Maria Patman, 70, during the competition Sunday at Wickham Park Pavilion, WKMG-TV, Orlando, reported Monday.

Capt. Bob Brown, spokesman for Brevard County Animal Services, said it was unclear why the dog suddenly attacked the woman and chewed on her ankle for several seconds.

"It's an odd occurrence. This breed is not known for the propensity to bite, but it's obviously an animal. That's the bottom line. Everyone has to make sure they are aware of that," Brown said.

Jaffe, who was not handling the dog at the time of the attack, was cited by animal control officers for a bite causing injury. The Akita is in animal control custody and its fate will be determined at a dangerous dog hearing in 10 days.