A Troy Department of Public Works (DPW) employee was hospitalized after being bitten by a dog at the city’s temporary animal shelter on Monday night. The incident occurred around 8:45 PM, prompting a swift response from local police and animal control officials. The employee is currently recovering at home following treatment for the injury.
Key Takeaways
- A DPW employee was bitten by a dog at a temporary shelter.
- The incident occurred at the DPW garage around 8:45 PM.
- The dog was evaluated and subsequently euthanized.
Incident Details
The dog bite incident took place at the DPW garage, which has been repurposed to house stray dogs since the beginning of the year. This temporary shelter was established after the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society ceased accepting new animals due to overcrowding issues. The city has been utilizing two storage garages located at the intersection of Seventh Avenue and Douw Street for this purpose.
According to Assistant Police Chief Steven Barker, the employee was bitten in the arm while caring for the dogs. Following the incident, the employee was taken to a local hospital for treatment and is now recovering at home. Mayor Carmella Mantello's office confirmed the details of the incident and stated that the dog involved had displayed aggressive behavior prior to the bite.
Response and Evaluation
In response to the incident, city animal control officials, along with local veterinarians, evaluated the dog. After assessing its behavior, the decision was made to euthanize the animal. This decision underscores the challenges faced by the city in managing stray dogs and ensuring the safety of both the animals and the employees caring for them.
Temporary Shelter Operations
The temporary shelter has been a crucial solution for Troy as it grapples with an influx of stray dogs. The city council allocated $60,000 to fund the care of these animals, drawing from a total of approximately $100,000 that was previously designated for contracts with the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society. The city has also been utilizing a former baseball field to provide exercise for the dogs housed in the shelter.
Community Impact
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by municipal services in managing stray animals and ensuring public safety. The DPW employee's injury serves as a reminder of the risks involved in animal care, particularly in temporary shelters where animals may be stressed or frightened. As the city continues to address the stray dog situation, officials are likely to review safety protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The community's response to the temporary shelter has been mixed, with some residents expressing concern over the conditions and safety of both the animals and the employees. As the city navigates these challenges, it remains committed to finding a long-term solution for stray animal management.
Sources
- Troy DPW Employee Hospitalized After Dog Bite at Temporary Shelter, WRGB.
- Police: Troy employee bitten at garage used to house stray dogs, Times Union.
- Troy DPW employee recovering after bite from aggressive dog - WNYT.com NewsChannel 13, WNYT.com.
- Police: Troy employee bitten at garage used to house stray dogs, Times Union.
