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Woman seriously injured in dog attack, Fort Dodge police say

The responding officer shot all three dogs multiple times in an effort to stop the attack.
Credit: Fort Dodge Police Department

FORT DODGE, Iowa — A woman is in the hospital after suffering "serious injuries" in a dog attack Friday morning, Fort Dodge police said in a press release. 

Police were first alerted to the incident after a resident reported they could hear someone calling for help near South 16th Street at around 11:25 a.m. Friday. 

When an officer arrived at the scene, he found a woman being attacked by three dogs. It is currently unclear if the dogs were pets or if they were strays. In addition, it is unclear if the woman happened upon these dogs randomly, or if she knew the dogs prior to the attack. 

The officer tried to scare the dogs away from the woman, but was unsuccessful. The officer then shot all three dogs multiple times in an effort to stop the attack, Fort Dodge PD said.

The Fort Dodge Fire Department arrived to treat the woman's injuries on the scene. The victim was then transported to a local hospital before ultimately being airlifted to a hospital in Des Moines. 

"At this time investigators are working to determine exactly what took place to include exploring all avenues as to how this incident unfolded," police said in a press release. 

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Fort Dodge police. You can also submit information anonymously through Crime Stoppers. 

Local 5 will update this story as more information becomes available. Download the We Are Iowa app or subscribe to Local 5's "5 Things to Know" email newsletter for the latest.

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