‘Heartbreaking.’ Torrington man details dog’s attack by bear; community rallies to help cover vet costs
Richard Hubbard said his dog Kobe was attacked by a bear Wednesday during an encounter near a dumpster in Torrington. Kobe suffered a puncture to his trachea and deep lacerations, according to Hubbard, and continues to recover from the serious injuries.
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A two-year-old Beagle mix named Kobe is recovering after he was seriously injured by a bear in Torrington.
“It was heartbreaking. I'm still reliving it in my mind. It's something I'll never forget. Just hearing that scream and seeing the bear on top of him. It was just a horrible sight,” recalled Kobe’s owner, Richard Hubbard.
Back in 2022, Hubbard recorded video of a bear eating out of a recycling bin behind the dumpster near his home. He said it was by that same dumpster that Kobe was attacked Wednesday morning when Hubbard took out the trash as they went on a walk.
“The dog hears some rustling sounds, and he looks on the other side of the dumpster, and there's a bear. I saw the bear peak out, and I immediately turned around with the dog and headed towards the garage,” Hubbard told News 12.
Kobe was leashed but started barking and pulling, then broke free, Hubbard said. He’d recently had knee surgery so he couldn't chase after Kobe, but the bear did.
“He wasn't running towards the bear. He ran past him to get around to the bank, and that's where the bear caught him is on the bank,” Hubbard explained.
Hubbard called 911 and once the bear ran off, was able to get Kobe to an emergency vet hospital.
“He was breathing very hard. Come to find out he had a puncture in his trachea, and they repaired it the first night. It was a successful surgery,” Hubbard said.
Kobe also sustained a lot of deep cuts from the bear and will need to remain at the vet for another week or two of treatment.
“He's not out of the woods yet, but each day since then, they've been calling with good news,” Hubbard shared.
The injured pup isn't alone in his recovery. The community has rallied around Kobe, donating to a fundraising effort to help cover his medical costs.
“I do appreciate everybody's generosity,” Hubbard shared. “That'll be a very happy day when he's home.”
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is investigating the incident.
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