Argentine Mastiff Dog Attacks Anchor's Face, Was It Her Own Fault? (VIDEO)
A veteran news anchor has had reconstructive facial surgery after being attacked by an 85 pound Argentine Mastiff Dog on U.S. television, and critics have accused her of provoking the rescued dog.
KUSA-TV's Kyle Dyer has been criticized for the manner in which she approached the animal, in a segment which focused on the reunion between Warrior Maximus (the dog) and his owner, Michael Robinson, and firefighter Tyler Sugaski, who rescued Max from a freezing pond, according to Mail Online.
In the viral video the unsuspecting Denver, Colo., news anchor can be seen stroking Max and as she lowers her face to him saying "Happy Valentine's Day," the dog unexpectedly bites Dyer's face.
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SEE VIDEO OF ARGENTINE MASTIFF DOG ATTACKING ANCHOR'S FACE
Critics took to KUSA's Facebook page to express their thoughts and while some wished Dyer a speedy recovery, many blamed the anchor and tried to play down the attack.
"I totally agree with all those saying it was her own fault and she should have known better. The dog was being a dog, defending itself in a stressful situation. He didn't jump on her and maul her, he nipped her lip...and she shouldn't have been trying to kiss him. Maybe it's a hard lesson to learn, but hopefully she learned it," Cassandra Hughes Kramer wrote.
"It was clearly human fault. Why should the animal be blamed for both the owner and Kyle's mistake? Hope he isn't put down, it would be a crime," Bruno Naletto wrote.
"Lord knows 9News will hear from all of us and a lot more if Max is put down," Brendan Flynn wrote.
Animal control experts dismissed the idea that the bite was minor telling CBS4 Denver that Dyer suffered "a pretty major bite."
While the injured anchor was forced to undergo surgery, she is expected to make a full recovery according to 9News vice president Patti Dennis.
"She's doing well, and will make a recovery, and we're all thinking about her and her family. Kyle -- of all people! -- is the biggest dog lover and even yesterday we were talking about how, as dog lovers, we think every dog belongs to us. Kyle will be back in a period of weeks -- probably several but she will be back," Dennis said.
