Three Dogs Attack 86-Year-Old on NewBridge Walking Path in Dedham
Dedham animal control is reviewing security footage to identify the dogs' owners to confirm vaccination records.
Overview
- Three medium-sized dogs described as two white dogs and a boxer allegedly bit an 86-year-old man on a walking path at the NewBridge on the Charles senior-living campus; the dogs were reported off-leash and left the scene with three women who had been with them.
- The victim was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment and may need a course of rabies post-exposure vaccines if investigators cannot verify the animals' vaccination status.
- Dedham Animal Control has opened an active investigation, is reviewing property security footage, and is urging anyone familiar with the dogs or the three women to contact authorities.
- Officials say the dogs were gathered by the women immediately after the bite and that no owners have been publicly identified as the probe continues.
- The incident raises questions about leash rules and senior safety on shared campus paths and could prompt closer enforcement or new guidance for people walking dogs near older-adult housing.