A dog attack in Hanover Township left a man injured and a bystander forced to shoot one of the dogs in self-defense. The incident also raised concerns about delayed 911 response times, prompting an investigation.

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HANOVER TOWNSHIP, PA (1-minute read) — Police in Hanover Township are investigating a Saturday afternoon incident where a man was attacked by two dogs and injured. A bystander, witnessing the assault, shot one of the dogs in self-defense to protect himself and the victim, according to the police department.

The incident occurred on Lyndwood Avenue around 3:15 p.m. The victim suffered injuries to both arms and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The injured dog was taken to an emergency veterinary facility.

The investigation is ongoing, with authorities indicating additional information may be released soon.

911 Response Delays Spark Concern

Joan Hoggarth, a former county division head of judicial services, witnessed the attack and criticized the nearly four-minute wait time when she called 911. She described the situation as critical, noting that the victim was bleeding heavily and emphasizing that such delays could be life-threatening. Hoggarth highlighted that she wasn’t the only one placed on hold, citing similar reports from two other callers.

While she acknowledged that emergency dispatchers are doing their best, she suggested that the 911 center may need additional staffing to handle peak demand. Lucy Morgan, the county director of emergency services, stated that a review of the incident’s 911 tapes would provide clarity.

Safety Tip: Always carry a personal self-defense tool and remain aware of your surroundings. In emergency situations, ensure to use alternate methods to alert authorities if 911 lines are busy.