A Rumford woman says her daughter was attacked by the family’s newly-adopted dog, but what’s even more upsetting is the response they got from the police department.

RUMFORD (WGME) — A Rumford woman says her daughter was attacked by the family’s newly-adopted dog, but what’s even more upsetting is the response they got from the police department.

“She was a great dog for the three weeks we had her,” said Rebecca Acosta.

Acosta said her family adopted Lacy, a German Shepherd, through a group on Facebook.

“We really don’t know what triggered her to snap,” she said.

Last Friday, Acosta said, the dog attacked her daughter, Sierra, 6.

“We were outside, bringing her in,” she said. “Sierra was behind me and that was it. That dog meant business.”

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She said Lacy lunged first at Sierra’s face, and then grabbed her by the back of the head.

Acosta said EMT’s arrived to help her daughter, but police never showed.

She said Animal Control Officer Sue Milligan called two hours later and told them they had to keep the dog quarantined in their own house for 10 days.

“I’m not having this dog in my house because what happens if the dog gets out of one of the rooms and goes after her again?” said Acosta.

Near the end of the interview, Milligan arrived to take a report, but left when she saw the camera.

Acosta continued the conversation outside.

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“I told you I wasn’t keeping the dog here,” Acosta said.

“I’m not gonna argue with you,” said Milligan. “You kept hanging up on me. You and your husband both.”

In a follow up phone call with CBS 13, Milligan said Acosta and her husband refused to answer her questions after the attack and hung up twice. She claimed she didn’t get a chance to tell them about other quarantine options at a shelter or boarding facility.

Acosta said they returned Lacy to her original owners, but worry she will end up in another home with young kids.

“That was the scariest thing I’ve ever been through,” Acosta said.

Police Chief Stacy Carter defended Milligan and said standard procedure was followed.

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