German shepherd attacks woman, smaller dog in North Smithfield

NORTH SMITHFIELD, R.I. (WJAR) — A small dog was killed, and a woman was hospitalized after a dog attack in North Smithfield.

North Smithfield police confirmed the dog attack happened Thursday.

A friend of the victim said the 83-year-old woman was walking her dog in her neighborhood when a neighbor’s dog attacked her and her 11-year-old schnauzer.

The woman was rushed to Landmark Medical Center in Woonsocket for treatment. Her dog did not make it.

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Carol Dionne, a friend, said the woman will need surgery.

"A German shepherd came running out, down the street, attacked Struppi. (She) swung to get the dog off of her dog, and when she did the dog latched onto her arm, ripped it open, dragged her to the ground, broke her arm. So, she has a fractured arm that's in two. So, she has to have surgery today," said Dionne.

North Smithfield police said they do not have a comment as the investigation into the attack continues.