Manager says staff weren’t told dogs could be aggressive before attack at east Louisville kennel

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Three people were injured Saturday after being attacked by dogs at a kennel in east Louisville.

The attack happened around 11 a.m. at Shamrock Acres Country Kennel when two employees were walking two XL pit bull dogs outside and they suddenly became aggressive, manager Lindsey Simmons said.

According to Simmons, the dogs first began fighting each other before turning on the employees, who were unable to get them under control.

A man nearby rushed in to help the employees but was also attacked, Simmons said.

Louisville Metro Police were called to the scene, and the dogs charged at them, according to Simmons. Police said officers shot and killed both dogs.

"I am having a really hard time with that because we do handle reactive dogs," Simmons said. "We have several dogs that come to our kennel that we can't interact with, and the owners let us know."

The two kennel employees injured were taken to UofL Hospital. Simmons said they are expected to be released by Wednesday. The man injured was released and is recovering at home.

Simmons said the dogs had been dropped off at the kennel the day before, and staff had not been told they could be aggressive. She claimed they were very sweet with staff when they first arrived.

Louisville Metro Animal Services said in a statement the incident is under investigation and the two dogs were previously involved in a bite incident at another kennel last fall.

The violations were later dismissed.

Simmons said the attack may have been prevented if there had been more transparency about the dogs’ history and temperament.

“This is a horrible accident,” Simmons said. “Our girls are trained. We know dogs and we live this every day. People who don't live this every day don't understand.”

In a statement, LMPD said the incident is under investigation, but charges are not expected to be filed.