Update on Status of Victims, Dogs Involved in 9/14 Animal Attack in Golden | September 19, 2022

GOLDEN, Colo. – On Wednesday, September 14th, just before 3:35 PM, Golden Police Department Officers were dispatched to West 1^st Ave regarding an animal bite. Officers rescued an 89-year-old female victim with critical injuries and a 12-year-old male victim with serious injuries from an attack by two pit bull dogs. The victims were transported to area hospitals to be treated.

On the morning of September 18^th, family members confirmed that the 89-year-old female victim of the animal attack succumbed to the injuries sustained in the attack and passed away.

Family members have also confirmed that the 12-year-old male victim has been released from the hospital and is recovering.

The two involved animals were captured and taken to a local veterinary hospital where they were treated and evaluated. Ultimately, one of the dogs was euthanized soon after the incident due to injuries sustained during the attack. Today, the Golden Police Department can confirm that the second dog involved in the attack was euthanized at the Foothills Animal Shelter after the dog’s owners surrendered ownership to the shelter.

This is still an active investigation by the Golden Police Department. New information will be released when it becomes available. There will be no on-camera interviews available today. 

###

Sergeant Ben Salentine will be available to make a brief statement to the press and answer follow up questions at 2:00 PM today in Golden. Details below.

WHAT: Media briefing about 9/14 animal attack in Golden

WHEN: Thursday, September 15 at 2:00 PM MT

WHERE: 911 10^th Street Golden, CO 80401- in front of Golden City Hall

WHO: Sergeant Ben Salentine, Golden Police Department

Please reach out to Emily Gedeon with any questions – 720-308-6055.

Supplemental Information on Animal Attack in Golden | September 15, 2022

GOLDEN, Colo. - On Wednesday, September 14th, just before 3:35 PM, Golden Police Department Officers were dispatched to West 1^st Ave regarding an animal bite. Officers rescued an 89-year-old victim who is currently alive but in critical condition at St. Anthony’s Hospital. The 12-year-old victim is also alive and in stable condition at Children’s Hospital. 

The two involved animals were captured and taken to a local veterinary hospital where they were treated and evaluated. Ultimately, one of the dogs was euthanized due to injuries sustained during the attack. The other dog is currently being held at Foothills Animal Shelter in Golden, CO. 

The City of Golden does not have dog breed ban laws. Golden residents are required to have their dogs licensed and vaccinated to maintain compliance. This information is being verified regarding the two involved animals. 

This is currently an active investigation by the Golden Police Department. New information will be released when it becomes available. There will be no on-camera interviews available at this time.

###

Information on Animal Attack in Golden, CO | September 14, 2022

GOLDEN, Colo. - On Wednesday, September 14th, just before 3:35 PM, Golden Police Department Officers were dispatched to West 1^st Ave regarding an animal bite. It was initially reported that a 12-year-old male was bleeding and that his 89-year-old grandmother was being attacked in the backyard.  The young male was at a neighbor’s house, where he sought help from neighbors and emergency services were called.

Officers arrived on scene to find blood leading into the residence. Officers immediately went into the backyard where two pit bull dogs were attacking an older female. During the rescue, Golden Police Officers placed themselves between the dogs and the victim. Officers challenged both dogs verbally and ultimately utilized tasers and less lethal shotguns to attempt to create distance between the victim and dogs. Each time the officers approached the victim, the dogs would circle the officers. Less lethal options were not effective. 

Additional officers arrived on scene and were able to hold off the dogs while rescuing the victim from the backyard to awaiting paramedics that were staged in the kitchen of the home. She was immediately transported with critical injuries to St. Anthony’s Hospital. 

Officers then assisted the young male, who received serious injuries and was at a neighbor’s house. The young male was transported to St. Anthony’s Hospital but ultimately air lifted to Children’s Hospital. 

The dogs involved in the attack are currently contained and are not a threat to the public. The dogs are known to the two victims of the attack.

The entire incident is under investigation by the City of Golden Police Department. New information will be released when it becomes available. There will be no on-camera interviews available at this time.

###