Liza Henriquez and Her Service Dog Injured in Chelsea Dog Attack While Walking
CHELSEA, MASSACHUSETTS (July 13, 2026) – A woman identified as Liza Henriquez was injured in a Chelsea dog attack that also left her service dog critically injured.
Suffolk County officials are saying that the incident took place on Monday night. Liza Henriquez was walking her Maltese-Yorkie mix service dog named Snoopy.
An unleashed dog attacked Snoopy. She and the owner of the unleashed dog dropped to the ground to try to separate both dogs.
Liza Henriquez sustained numerous cuts as a result of the attack and a concussion from hitting her head on the ground. Unfortunately, Snoopy’s leg was completely shattered as a result of the attack and will likely have to be amputated.
The dog involved in the incident has been seized by animal control. A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Dibella Law remains committed to improving public safety and increasing transparency through our Free Police Report program. If you’ve been involved in any type of accident that required a police response, we can help you get a copy of the police report created at no cost or obligation to you.
Liability for Chelsea Dog Attacks
Dog owners in Massachusetts have a legal obligation to use reasonable care to prevent their dog from injuring another person. Pursuant to Massachusetts General Law – Part I, Title XX, Chapter 140, Section 155, “If any dog shall do any damage to either the body or property of any person, the owner or keeper, or if the owner or keeper be a minor, the parent or guardian of such minor, shall be liable for such damage.” There are many ways that a dog owner may have acted negligently prior to a dog attack.
- Leash: A dog owner may have allowed their dog to roam a neighborhood or park off-leash.
- Confinement: A dog owner may fail to properly confine their dog to their home or yard.
- Distance: A dog owner may fail to maintain a safe distance with other people, even if the dog is on a leash.
Owners will be held strictly liable in the event their animal attacks someone, even if the dog never showed signs of aggression in the past. There are, however, some exceptions to liability if the person attacked was trespassing or antagonizing the dog in some way. Victims of dog attacks are able to hold the owners fully accountable through a civil action. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering.
Common Injuries Associated With Dog Attacks
Millions of people are harmed each year in preventable dog attacks. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, “Unfortunately, a few dogs do not live up to their image as mankind’s best friend, and an estimated 4.5 million people are bitten each year, although the actual number injured is unknown. Approximately 334,000 people are admitted to US emergency departments annually with dog bite-associated injuries, and another 466,000 are seen in other medical settings.” Victims of dog attacks tend to suffer very serious and costly injuries.
- Bite Wounds: The force of a dog bite can leave victims with serious bite wounds that can cause extensive nerve damage.
- Scars: The aftermath of a dog attack can leave victims with lasting scars.
- Infections: There are millions of different bacteria in the mouth of a dog. Any type of bite can leave victims with a potential life-threatening infection.
- Concussions: Many people hit their heads while being knocked over by a dog. This can result in a traumatic brain injury that substantially impairs a person’s health and overall quality of life.
Dog attacks are largely preventable. They tend to be the results of owners who are not taking sufficient safety measures to control their animals. Most public areas throughout Massachusetts require dog owners to have their dog on a leash. It is important that the victims of dog attacks seek medical attention as soon as possible. Many injuries associated with an attack would not be immediately obvious. This is especially true if a victim hits their head or sustains deep bite wounds.
Investigating Chelsea Dog Attacks
We at DiBella Law extend our best wishes to Liza Henriquez and Snoopy as they continue to recover from this attack. This was an entirely preventable attack that should’ve never taken place. It is deeply unfortunate that so many people continue to violate ordinances and walk their dogs off-leash in public areas. There needs to be accountability for what took place.
Do you need more information about a Massachusetts dog attack? Our team of dog bite injury lawyers is here to support you. We are committed to helping victims get the financial and medical assistance that they need to move forward with their lives. Whether you just have legal questions or are wondering how an attorney might be able to help with your specific situation, we are here to serve your needs. You can contact us anytime at 855-342-3552.