Dog recovering after being attacked by hawk in backyard

EAST FREETOWN, Mass. — A local dog is on the long road to recovery after she was attacked in her backyard by a hawk.

It's been a long few days for Daisy and her owner Susan Nascimeno after the 10-year-old bichon frisewas attacked by a hawk Monday afternoon while fenced in her East Freeport backyard.

"She was just covered in blood her chest, back, butt, everything was covered in blood couldn't even see where she was bleeding from," said Nascimento.

Nascimeno says her neighborhood has had problems with hawks over the past few years.

"She had two claw marks on one side the other side they figured when the hawk picked her up found out she was too heavy dropped her and ripped the whole side skin off her," said Nascimento.

Daisy was in such bad shape, she was taken to the animal hospital in Rhode Island for surgery on her puncture wounds and broken leg.

"Wild animals can do a lot of damage, especially if they're hungry, small dogs or cats, can be injured or killed," said Dr. Russell White, Surgical Resident, Ocean State Veterinary Specialists.

Dr. White has been caring for Daisy and has advice for all pet owners.

"It's really important for those smaller animals, especially when they go outside make sure they're staying close to the house or in an enclosed area, even though though those animals can get in to injure them keeping them away from exposed is a good recommendation," said White.

Dr. White says Daisy is expected to make a full recovery.

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