A deadly attack by two dogs in New Haven nearly a year ago is prompting action now. Some city leaders are looking into what can be done to better protect people and first responders when they are suddenly face to face with a vicious animal.
Brian Wingate will never forget the tragedy that unfolded right outside his door on the night of June 20, 2016.
“It's still terrible," said Wingate. "It's still horrific today.”
Wingate said he can still remember the screaming and all of the blood when two dogs attacked a man and woman inside the fence at the home across the street on Ella T. Grasso Boulevard. The female victim, Jocelyn Winfrey, 53, later died from the critical injuries to her legs, face, head and eyes.
“I can't get away from it. I walk out my door every day, I see the fence," said Wingate, who is also on New Haven's Board of Alders. He is among a growing number of people looking to improve the way the city responds to such a situation.
“Keep people safe, keep animals safe and firefighters as well," said Chief John Alston of the New Haven Fire Department. Alston said the plan is already in motion. Better communication among all responding agencies, stronger protective gear, immediately setting up a perimeter around a dangerous animal, are all ways for first responders to better protect themselves and the people they serve.
“We wanted to come up with a comprehensive plan that is it was not only to respond for attacks but animal rescue as well," Chief Alston said.
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Wingate said the two American Bulldog mixes involved in the mauling last year have since been euthanized. Since then, he said, his mission has been about getting these stronger protocols in place.
“Hopefully something like this will never, ever happen in the city of New Haven again,” said Wingate.
The new protocols related to vicious animals are currently being finalized. The measures are expected to be adopted in a matter of days.
