Santa Cruz County

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KION) The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter is searching for a woman and her dog after, they say, the animal attacked a man in an Ace Hardware, last Monday.

Shelter officials say the customer was shopping at the Ace Hardware on Soquel Avenue and Seabright Avenue when the dog bit his hand, degloving it. The dog was reported to be off-leash.

"To have a man's hand bitten off is really awful," said Santa Cruz resident, Leslie Fix.

The Santa Cruz County Animal has identified owner of the dog as Hope Parks. Officials say her dog is named "Teddy Bear."

Officials say the dog has been known to bite before and is a serious safety risk to the community.

"When it's a business, the dog should either be left outside, or on a leash inside, because it's such a closed area," said Santa Cruz resident, Anthony Bryant.

Anyone with information on Parks and the dog's whereabouts are encouraged to call 831-454-7226.