What was supposed to be a feel-good story landed one broadcaster in the hospital after a rescued dog bit her in the face.

Kyle Dyer, anchorwoman for NBC's KUSA in Denver, was bitten in the face Wednesday to celebrate the rescue of the 85-pound dog named Max that bite her face.

Dyer underwent reconstructive surgery in a Denver hospital. The video of the attack went viral Thursday, even though NBC refused to air the clip.

The dog is currently in quarantine in a Denver animal shelter, according to reports.

The dog bite accident that happened today was unfortunate and certainly not expected based on what we knew about the dog and his owner, Patti Dennis, KUSA vice president of news said in a statement. Our goal was to unite the owner with the rescuer for a nice segment. We are all thinking of Kyle and her recovery. We love Kyle and what she and her family do for this community. We also love animals and will continue to do all we can to use 9NEWS to improve animal welfare in Colorado.

At least one expert called out Dyer on her actions, saying that Dyer's end-of-segment kiss was destined for trouble.

Basically, she did everything wrong, Ron Berman, a canine behavior specialist, told The Cutline, a Yahoo blog. She went up to a dog she didn't know--who didn't know her--and she either tried to kiss him or hug him or put her face too close to his face. He felt threatened and bit her.

Each year, 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In 2006, 31,000 people underwent reconstructive surgery like Dyer from dog bites, the latest year the CDC has data.

To prevent dog bites, the CDC gives the following guidelines:

  • Consult with a professional (e.g., veterinarian, animal behaviorist, or responsible breeder) to learn what breeds of dogs are the best fit for your household.
  • Dogs with histories of aggression are not suitable for households with children.
  • Be sensitive to cues that a child is fearful or apprehensive about a dog. If a child seems frightened by dogs, wait before bringing a dog into your household.
  • Spend time with a dog before buying or adopting it. Use caution when bringing a dog into a household with an infant or toddler.

For children, the CDC recommends the following:

  • Do not approach an unfamiliar dog.
  • Do not run from a dog or scream.
  • Remain motionless (e.g., be still like a tree) when approached by an unfamiliar dog.
  • If knocked over by a dog, roll into a ball and lie still (e.g., be still like a log).
  • Do not play with a dog unless supervised by an adult.
  • Immediately report stray dogs or dogs displaying unusual behavior to an adult.
  • Avoid direct eye contact with a dog.
  • Do not disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies.
  • Do not pet a dog without allowing it to see and sniff you first.
  • If bitten, immediately report the bite to an adult.

In Wednesday's incident, Denver Animal Control gave Max's owner Michael Robinson a citation for violating the state's leash-law, for allowing the dog to bite and for not having the dog properly vaccinated.

Medicine