Nokomis resident recovering from attack

By Dale Liesch and Blake Bell

A Nokomis woman is recovering at USA Medical Center after a vicious bulldog attack that resulted in the amputation of her right arm, according to family members, and Escambia County officials have reported both dogs captured.

Sandra Lambert, 63, was walking with the two dogs she had taken in as strays in the 8000 block of Jake’s Road in Nokomis Thursday when they attacked her just before 6 a.m., said Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Spokeswoman Sena Maddison.

“She was walking with them and going to check on some chickens,” Maddison said.

Maddison wouldn’t comment on the extent of the injuries, except to say they were bad enough to result in Lambert being airlifted to USA Medical Center in Mobile.

Another bulldog, “which had been in the family for years” was killed in the attack when it tried to intervene and protect the Lambert, a ECSO statement read.

Bill Pearson, public information officer for Escambia County, said the second dog was captured Friday around 7 a.m.

“We had animal control on patrol in the area of the victim’s home,” Pearson said. “Officers found the second dog asleep on the back porch. It had apparently returned during the night and curled up there.”

Pearson said the second dog was not aggressive and was captured without incident.

“It appeared to be more scared than aggressive,” he said. “Unlike the dog from the day before, it did not require the use of a sedative or tranquilizer. The officers used a tool that is basically a pole with a loop on the end.”

Pearson said both dogs are under a 10-day rabies quarantine at the Escambia County Animal Shelter, adding that the next step may be up to Lambert.

“What happens next is really up in the air,” Pearson said. “There is a variety of issues that must be dealt with. These were strays that she had taken in and played host family to for the last few months, so if someone else is not determined to have legal ownership, than Mrs. Lambert may end up having some say in what happens to them.”

Pearson said both dogs appeared to have at least some pitt bull traits, but an official determination of breed would require a DNA test.

“The one from yesterday was white in color and was a female,” he said. “The second was a brindle color and was a male.”

Bob Lowry, spokesman for USA Medical Center, said Lambert was admitted in serious condition and remained so as of Friday afternoon.