The Department of Human Services has launched an investigation in the wake of a vicious dog attack in Iowa that left a 3-year-old girl dead. State officials are trying to determine whether the incident could have been prevented, and if not, who is to blame, ABC affiliate WOI-DT reports.The attack happened when the victim was bitten by two Rottweilers who had broken free from an enclosure in the family's backyard. The dog's have since been put down, and the victim's mother, who was not home at the time of the attack, does not know how the canines escaped, according to the news source.
Those who live in the vicinity of notoriously aggressive dogs may want to take several steps to prevent being the victim of a similar attack. Experts say that if an individual is in such a situation, they should remain calm, resist the urge to run and assume a nonthreatening position to reduce the risk of being bitten.
However, when an attack seems unavoidable, an animal repellent such as pepper spray is the best option. When discharged into the face of an aggressive dog, the device will temporarily disable them and allow a potential victim to get to safety.
