Rita Phillip wanted in connection with vicious dog attack

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26-year old Calgary woman mauled by two pit-bulls

Sundre RCMP have laid aggravated assault charges against 57-year old Rita Phillip of Sundre after a vicious dog attack against a Calgary woman early on Saturday morning.

Police were called to the home at about 2 a.m., on Saturday, August 18.  When they arrived, they were told that two dogs, believed to be of a pit-bull variety had mauled a 26-year old woman from Calgary.  The victim was visiting a home at the Sundre Motor Estates.

When police entered the home where the victim was, they discovered that she had barricaded herself in a bedroom.  Her injuries were so severe that emergency personnel who attended the victim were unsure if she was still alive.  Staff Sergeant Shawn LeMay of the RCMP says emergency personnel described her injuries as life-threatening.  She was suffering from critical injuries to her arms and face.

The victim was removed from the home by police and EMS personnel and was taken to hospital in Sundre where she received emergency treatment and then she was airlifted to Calgary by STARS Air Ambulance.

The dogs who attacked the woman had been locked in another bedroom and were agitated and were attempting to get out.  RCMP officers then contacted Animal Control and a local veterinarian to assist in controlling the dogs.  One dog was successfully sedated and captured, while the second dog continued to show aggression as it charged towards officers and emergency personnel.

The dog was eventually captured, but remains under quarantine until further investigation into the matter determines it’s fate.

The victim is still receiving medical treatment and is in stable condition at a Calgary hospital.

“While doing our very best in advancing this investigation, we are also very cognizant of how this incident has impacted the victim, her family, and emergency workers attending the scene”, said Cpl. Ryan Hodge, Acting Detachment Commander, Sundre RCMP. “Even for a seasoned professional, this was a very traumatic scene”.

Rita Phillip has been charged with aggravated assault, but she allegedly fled the scene and has yet to be located.  A warrant for her arrest has been issued.  RCMP believe that she is no threat to the public at this time.

Anyone who knows the whereabouts of Rita Phillip, or who has information on this attack that could possibly assist with the investigation, is asked to call the Sundre RCMP Detachment at #403-638-3675 or, Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477.