Dogs that attacked USPS worker euthanized

Witnesses say dogs mauled 55-year-old Emogene Powell

MIAMI – The two American bulldogs that police say attacked a United States Postal Service Worker while she was delivering mail in Miami Gardens were euthanized Wednesday.

The owner of the two dogs, a 2-year-old male and 3-year-old female, voluntarily gave them to Miami-Dade Animal Services, said spokeswoman Kathleen LaPrada.

"They were concerned for the safety of their 5-year-old daughter at home with these dogs and the possibility they could turn on her," said LaPrada. "We could never turn them back out to another owner."

According to authorities, the two dogs jumped a fence and mauled the postal worker, who has been identified as 55-year-old Emogene Powell. One neighbor took a picture of the dogs.

It happened at 1410 NW 191st Street about 4:40 p.m. Tuesday.

"There were some deep puncture wounds," said Capt. Ralph Suarez with the Miami Gardens Police Department.

The wounds are located on the victim's face, both arms and one leg, authorities said.

Witnesses said they helped tear the dogs off of the victim and took turns comforting her until rescuers arrived.

The owner of the dogs, who doesn't live in the neighborhood, was cited. The owner offered no comment about the incident.

Powell was listed in good condition Wednesday.