• 09
  • February
    2012

An uplifting and feel-good story dissolved instantly yesterday when a dog saved in a dramatic rescue from a Lakewood reservoir suddenly bit anchorwoman Kyle Dyer of 9News during a follow-up interview with the dog's rescuer and owner at the station's studio.

Dyer was taken immediately to the Denver Health Medical Center following the dog bite attack, and a station official informed viewers yesterday afternoon that reconstructive surgery done on Dyer's lip was successful.

"She's doing well, and will make a recovery, and we're all thinking about her and her family," said 9News Vice President Patti Dennis.

The dog -- "Max," a 3-year-old 85-pound Argentine Dogo -- fell through ice into near-freezing water on Tuesday. As a helicopter video crew filmed from overhead, a firefighter worked his way across the ice and ultimately managed to pull him from the water.

Dyer was bitten during a live segment recounting the story. Station employees noted that Max was friendly prior to the broadcast and that several people in the newsroom -- including Dyer -- interacted with him. An animal control report stated that Dyer's injury occurred as she "tried to kiss/snuggle with the dog."

Max's fate is uncertain. He is presently quarantined, but could be released to his owner in 10 days if he is deemed free of rabies and otherwise healthy.

The owner's liability for the incident is also not completely clear at the moment. Although state law holds that an owner is strictly liable for economic damages when an attack causes serious bodily injury to another person, that standard is not absolute. A number of factors can be potentially relevant in an animal attack case, including the location of an incident and whether an animal has shown a propensity for violence or has actually bitten someone in the past.

In short, Colorado law in the area is nuanced and complex. An experienced dog bite attorney can answer questions.

Source: Denver Post, "Denver TV news anchor Kyle Dyer undergoes reconstructive surgery after on-air dog bite" Kieran Nicholson, Feb. 9, 2012