Elko deputy fatally shoots dog that bit him

ELKO - An Elko County sheriff's deputy shot and killed a dog after it bit his hand while trying to rescue it and another dog on a mountain highway.

Sheriff's Detective James Carpenter says the deputy shot the large Husky-type dog near the summit of Lamoille Highway last week when it turned vicious, bit onto his hand and wouldn't let go.

The deputy said he loaded the smaller dog into the back of his patrol truck. The big dog put its paws on the truck's tailgate as if it wanted help. But once it got in truck's bed it turned and attacked.

The deputy was treated for puncture wounds to his left hand.

Carpenter says the dogs' owners were notified. He says it's not clear if the incident will be investigated further.

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Information from: Elko Daily Free Press