SALINA, KS — A Salina woman says a loose dog attacked her and her service animal while they were walking their regular route on Ninth Street. Morgan Linenberger says both she and her dog, Tikiu, were bitten before the other dog’s owners left the scene.

At a glance

• Animal: A loose dog that bit a woman and her service dog.
• Where: Ninth Street in Salina.
• When: Friday, according to the woman involved.
• What happened: The dog broke away from its owners and attacked the pair during a walk.
• Status: Salina Animal Services says it found the owner, but the woman says the owner is refusing to comply.
• Anyone hurt: Yes. Linenberger says she was bitten on the hand and Tikiu was bitten in two places.

What happened

Linenberger said the attack happened while she and Tikiu were on a normal walk. She said the other dog came straight at them after getting loose from its owners, and Tikiu tried to get away.

She said the other dog kept biting her service animal for what felt like a long time. Linenberger said she was eventually able to pull the dog off, but not before it bit her hand and bit Tikiu twice.

According to Linenberger, the owners left with the dog after the attack. She said she called police and Salina Animal Services right away, and officers said they would look around the neighborhood to try to find the animal and its owners.

Linenberger says animal services later identified the owner, but she believes the matter has not been handled properly. At Monday afternoon’s city commission meeting, people spoke in her support and pressed for answers about whether medical care or rabies precautions were needed.

About the animal

Dogs vary widely in size and breed, but even a familiar household pet can cause serious injury when it is frightened, loose, or not under control. Bites can break skin quickly and may require medical care, especially if they involve the hands, face, or a service animal.

Most dogs are social animals that respond to training, routine, and clear handling from their owners. When a dog feels threatened or overstimulated, it may lunge, bite, or chase, particularly if it is off leash or has slipped out of a yard, collar, or harness.

Dogs are common in Kansas communities and generally are not dangerous when supervised. But any unfamiliar dog should be treated cautiously, because behavior can change fast and bites can expose people and pets to infection or, in some cases, rabies concerns.

If you encounter one

If a loose dog approaches, stay calm, avoid running, and put a solid object such as a backpack, trash can lid, or bike between you and the animal if you can. Keep children close and move away slowly without sudden gestures.

Do not try to grab an aggressive dog, corner it, or reach for its collar unless you are sure it is safe. If a bite happens, wash the wound with soap and water right away and seek medical attention quickly, especially if the skin is broken.

Report the animal to local animal control, police, or the county’s designated animal services office as soon as possible. If a pet or service animal is bitten, follow up with a veterinarian and ask officials about rabies vaccination status and any quarantine requirements.

What happens next

Linenberger says she is waiting for more guidance from Salina Animal Services and wants to know what will happen with the dog and its owner. She has also raised concerns that the service animal may be too traumatized to keep working.

The city’s shelter management is scheduled to change next month, and Linenberger hopes that will lead to better handling of dog bites and attacks. KAKE News said it had not received a response from city leaders or Salina Animal Services about the incident.

Spotted a dangerous animal where you live? Report it to your state wildlife agency or local animal control.