Dog owner charged after 2 women were brutally mauled in vicious attack on Hawaii Island

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Hawaii Island police have charged a 51-year-old man following a “vicious dog attack” in Pahoa that left two women seriously injured over the weekend, authorities said.

Authorities said the dog’s owner — 51-year-old Frederick Kassebeer — turned himself in on Sunday and was charged with “permitting dog to stray” and “negligent failure to control a dangerous dog.”

It happened Saturday, just before 5 p.m., on Bamboo Drive in Ainaloa Estates.

Police said 32-year-old Amber Clausen was on her own property when a neighbor’s dog began to attack her. She suffered fractures to both arms, multiple puncture wounds and lacerations.

She was taken to Hilo Medical Center for treatment and remains in stable condition.

Police said her 52-year-old mother — Helen Buelo — was also bitten, possibly by another dog, on her arm and shoulder while trying to get the dog away from her daughter.

A bystander was able to secure the dog to a post, where it was picked up by Animal Control, then rendered aid to the victims.

“Amber could not move,” said Buelo. “She lost too much blood, she dropped, she was on the ground with the dog. He picked her up and carried her to my truck.”

“Ic ould care less about anything else in the world right now except my daughter sitting in that bed. She’s in a lot of pain. If she loses her arms she’s gonna be devastated,” she added.

It’s believed the dog got loose because it was not secured and escaped out of Kassebeer’s property, which was partially fenced.

He was released after posting $2,000 bail.

Hawaii County police said the dog suspected in the vicious attack has not been put down. A decision will reportedly by made, depending on the outcome of the investigation.

An investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone with further information is asked to call (808) 935-3311.

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