×

Woman recovering from dog attack

CHESTER — A Chester woman is recovering at home after being attacked by a dog while trying to deliver a care package last week.

Joann Lang suffered injuries to her face last Wednesday as a result of the attack, requiring 50 stitches to her lip and reconstructive surgery to her nose.

“It was pretty extensive damage,” said Dustin Lang, her son.

The dog, which Dustin Lang identified as a pit bull, was euthanized so it could be tested for rabies.

Lang said the family wanted to publicize the incident and alert the public as to the safety issues associated with owning and being around a dog.

“I hope something good can come out of this situation,” he said. “It could happen to anybody — that’s what’s scary.”

Lang said his parents, Harry and Joann Lang, went to the house on Grant Street in Newell, on Wednesday to deliver some groceries from the Glendale Church of the Nazarene food pantry. They had been to the house once before, in July.

The attack happened just after Joann Lang knocked on the door. “As soon as she knocked, the dog came running and broke through the door,” Dustin Lang said. “It was one of those split-second things.”

Lang said his father was able to stop the attack by pulling the dog off. Although he called 911, he didn’t wait for the ambulance.

“My dad saw the gravity of the situation and decided to go across the (Newell) bridge,” he said, noting that his mother’s bleeding was worse because she takes blood thinning medicine.

From East Liverpool City Hospital, Lang was taken to UPMC Mercy in Pittsburgh, where she underwent surgery. She was released Thursday evening.

The dog was taken by the Hancock County Dog Warden, Lang said. Dog warden officials could not be reached for comment.

Lang said the injuries could have been much worse because the bite just missed his mother’s eye.

He advised that people be aware of the dogs in their neighborhood and that dog owners license and keep control of their dogs.

“The community needs to know to keep an extra eye on their children,” he said.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

COMMENTS

Starting at $4.73/week.

Subscribe Today