Mansfield Animal Control Officer 'Recovering' After Dog Attack

MANSFIELD, CT — The Mansfield animal control officer who was attacked by a dog last week is stable and recovering in Hartford Hospital, town officials said Monday.

The incident took place on Aug. 18 at the Mansfield Animal Shelter on Clover Mill Road.

Animal Control Officer Noranne Nielsen, a 19-year veteran, was attacked by a dog being cared for at the Shelter, town officials said.

She sustained what is being described as "serious, but non-life threatening injuries."

"She is recovering from her injuries at Hartford Hospital, is stable, and improving," town officials said in a statement released Monday.

A second person, a Mansfield Department of Public Works employee, received minor injuries while rendering assistance, town officials said. He was evaluated at Windham Hospital as a precaution and released, town officials said.

The Mansfield Animal Shelter will have adjusted public hours from Aug. 21 through Sept. 10 as a result:

• The Animal Shelter will be closed to the public on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
• The Shelter will remain open to the public on Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays, and from 10 to 11 a.m. and on Sundays for the adoption hour.
• On Tuesdays and Thursdays from Aug. 21 through Sept. 10, residents should call 860-487-0137 for animal related emergency assistance only.

It is anticipated that the Shelter will resume normal business hours to the public the week of Sept. 11, town officials said.

Patch File Photo