The Montgomery County Police Animal Services Division honors two community members for separate incidents in which their life-saving efforts prevented further injury and possible death during dog attacks. Each recipient will receive a “Chief’s Certificate of Appreciation” for their heroic deeds.

WHEN: Friday, November 9 at 1 p.m.

WHERE: Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center – Lobby 7315 Muncaster Mill Rd., Derwood, MD 20855

WHAT: Community members honored with Presentation of Chief’s Certificates of Appreciation

The first incident occurred in July of 2018 in Gaithersburg when two pit bull-type dogs attacked an adult male workman who had come to a residence to provide gutter repair service. He had asked the pet owner to put his tethered dogs inside, but the owner refused. The dogs broke free of their tethers and attacked the workman as he walked to his work van. Had it not been for the intervention of a driver who saw the dogs attacking the workman, and stopped to come to his aid, the victim’s already very serious injuries would have been much worse. By using a broom, the community member was able to get the dogs to release their grips on the victim’s arm and leg, and both men were able to retreat into their vehicles for protection from further attack.

The other incident occurred in May of 2018 in Bethesda when an adult male was in this front yard with his dog. Two pit bull-type dogs came onto his property and began to attack him. A passing motorist heard the victim’s wife screaming for help. This Good Samaritan also had a broom which he used to fend off the attack on the victim. The pit bulls then attacked the victim’s dog. The community member then tried to protect the dog. The attacking dogs then went after the victim’s wife and the community member stepped in a third time to provide protection for her. The male victim believes that without this stranger’s help, the victim’s dog would have been killed, and the male victim might have been killed as well.

The victims from both incidents and attacked dog from the May incident are expected to join the award recipients at the ceremony.

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