Groton man bit 30 times during vicious dog attack - WFSB 3 Connecticut

Groton man bit 30 times during vicious dog attack

A Groton man suffered at least 30 bites during a vicious dog attack near Calvin Burrows Field on Tuesday morning.

Mike Conwell, 74, was walking his dog, Lacey, along South Road near the field when a neighbor's pit bull mix began to attack his dog. The man was then attacked while trying to protect his pet.

"I ran across the street and he was laying on the ground," said Lorraine Conwell, who is the wife of the victim.

Mike Conwell was brought to Lawrence & Memorial Hospital, where he underwent surgery, according to Lt. John W. Varone. He suffered serious injuries to his hands and arms and is waiting for a specialist to review his wounds.

Lacey was taken to Companion Animal Hospital to be treated for "traumatic" injuries, but the dog did not survive.

"They (neighbors) feel really bad, feel really bad," Lorraine Conwell said. "Like I told her, it's too late, Lacey is gone. They know what Lacey meant to us."

Residents on South Road have seen dogs running loose in the neighborhood, but never heard of any attacks.

"I see loose dogs around here, sometimes they are usually running into someone's yard with the owner chasing after it," said Mike Caronia Jr. of Groton.

The incident is being actively investigated by police; however, no arrests have been made. The pit bull mix will be impounded for the next 14 days and the owners of the pit bull mix are cooperating with police.

"He's on the aggressive side," said Animal Control Officer Donna Duso. "We're not able to handle him. So he's safely secured in the cage were he will stay during the quarantine period."

Police are warning owners of dogs that show aggressive tendencies to make sure they are well secured.

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