A woman suffered serious injuries yesterday afternoon on a southwest Oklahoma City block after authorities say she was attacked by multiple dogs and was then struck by a vehicle while family members attempted to intervene.
The incident occurred on the 5200 block of South Klein Avenue, where relatives and neighbors intervened. According to reports, one family member got into a car in an attempt to drive off the attacking dogs but accidentally struck the woman.
According to KOCO 5, officers responded to reports of a dog attack on South Klein Avenue and found the victim at the scene. Police said multiple dogs were attacking the woman when a relative attempted to use a vehicle to stop them, accidentally striking her. She was taken to a local hospital with serious injuries.
City animal-welfare capacity
This incident occurs as Oklahoma City continues efforts to expand its animal welfare resources. The city plans to begin construction in 2025 on the Louisa McCune Animal Welfare Center, which is expected to provide additional kennel space and clinical services, as per the City of Oklahoma City. Reports on the project note that the new center will more than double dog kennel capacity, which city officials say is intended to reduce overcrowding and improve animal care.
Dog-bite risk and public-health context
Dog attacks, such as the one on South Klein Avenue, reflect a wider public health concern. The World Health Organization reports that dog bites cause tens of millions of injuries globally each year. In the United States, an estimated 4.5 million people are bitten annually, with some cases requiring medical treatment and a portion resulting in serious injuries.
Investigation and next steps
Police say the investigation is ongoing and have not provided further details. Authorities have not indicated whether any of the dogs have been seized or if any criminal charges may be filed…