Woman gets 35 stitches after pet dog attack

The 55-year-old woman was opening the dog’s cage on Sunday to feed it when the animal jumped out and bit her in the arms, legs and face. The dog only stopped its assault after people intervened. It was kept inside the cages for long periods of time and became aggressive.

Huynh Van Khai, director of the SOS Phu Quoc general clinic, said the patient was brought to the facility in a state of panic and with elevated blood pressure.

She suffered severe wounds and lost much blood, especially in her arms. The woman then received 35 stitches, inoculated herself against rabies and spent half a day at the facility, before she was sent home.

Several dog attacks have also been reported in Vietnam, resulting in minor injuries or in some cases death.

The incidents have prompted the public to call for bans on aggressive dogs like pit bulls in residental areas.

Dog owners who let their dogs out in public without muzzles or rabies vaccinations can be fined up to VND2 million (US$81) if the animals injure others.

They can also face criminal charges if their dogs cause damage to 31% or more of a person’s body.