Strangers come to aid of Cedar Rapids woman attacked by dogs

Strangers are leading efforts to help a Cedar Rapids woman who was attacked by dogs.

Sarah Hickok, 40, suffered about a dozen puncture wounds on both legs during an encounter with three dogs Oct. 6. She was hospitalized for four days because of a subsequent infection.

Animal control initially seized the dogs, which lived in upstairs from Hickok, but they were returned when miscommunication between a city prosecutor and a judge resulted in the dismissal of the case.

In a story published last week in The Gazette, Hickok said she was struggling financially since the attack and was currently homeless. Since the story broke, eight people have contacted the newspaper hoping to help.

One of them, Angie Tharp, of Vinton, has helped organize the effort. She had no previous connection to Hickok.

A benefit account has been set up on behalf of Hickok at Farmers Savings Bank and Trust in Vinton. Donations identified for Sarah Hickok can be sent to the bank at 401 B Avenue, P.O. Box 112, Vinton, IA 52349.

Six local bands have agreed to perform at a benefit show for Hickok starting at 9 p.m. Dec. 18 at Tornados Grub and Pub, 1400 Third St. SE. There is no charge to attend, but a percentage of bar sales that usually go to the bands will benefit Hickok, organizers said.

Hickok said Thursday she has been overwhelmed by the response. She also said a local attorney has taken on the case.

The city's case against the dog owners was dismissed without prejudice, meaning the initial charge of vicious and dangerous animals could be re-filed. Animal Control Manager Diane Webber said her department is reviewing all the evidence in the case to determine how to proceed.

Hickok said the dogs pushed open a screen door to get to her, but the dog owners claim she came inside their home, Webber said.

“It's just a matter of trying to determine exactly what happened,” Webber said. “It's a case of what she said and what they said. It might be a case better decided in court.”

The dogs that attacked Hickok were part pit bull. Some cities have banned the breed inside city limits, but Webber said the city is not considering a ban on any breed.

“It's not the dog; It's the owner and whose hands they're in,” Webber said. “I have a shelter full of put-bull mixes, and they're not a problem.”

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