Three dog attacks took place over the weekend, which police called highly unusual. "I've never seen anything quite like this," said Philadelphia Lt. Frank Vanore.
A 52-year-old woman was attacked Friday by a dog in her North Philadelphia home. The dog belonged to another resident of the house and has been confiscated by the SPCA, police said. She was treated for injuries.
On Saturday morning, Christine Staab, 38, was mauled to death by one of her mother's six pit bulls in her mother's Fishtown home. Staab's mother, Barbara Erb, was arguing with Staab when a dog attacked. Police shot the dog, as well as a second dog that charged at officers.
The boy was attacked Sunday morning while walking in a Frankford baseball field with two other boys who each had a dog on a leash. The dogs started fighting, then went after the boy, police said.
The boy is at St. Christopher's Hospital for Children, where he underwent surgery.
No charges have been filed against the dog owners in connection with any of the attacks.
Karen Delise, director of research for the National Canine Research Council, said the snowy winter might have played a role in the attacks.
"Dogs can get cabin fever, just like people," she said. "A lot of dogs need a tremendous amount of exercise or they get pent-up energy."
Delise said dog attacks are relatively rare and fatal attacks are even rarer. Philadelphia has had just three dog-related deaths since 1963, she said.
Contact staff writer Allison Steele at 215-854-2641 or asteele@phillynews.com.
