A large dog nearly severed the foot of a 70-year-old woman during a sudden attack at Wickham Park Pavilion in Melbourne, Fla., Sunday as a crowd of people watched in horror, according to Local 6 News partner Florida Today.

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Witnesses said an Akita owned by Sally Jaffe of Mims, pounced on the woman and chewed on her left ankle for several seconds, just yards from the area where the competition took place.

Maria Patman, 70, of Geneva screamed as she was knocked to the ground. The adult dog, larger than a German shepherd, dragged the woman at one point during the attack, according to witnesses.

The reason for the attack was not immediately clear, said Capt. Bob Brown, spokesman for Brevard County Animal Services.

“It’s an odd occurrence. This breed is not known for the propensity to bite, but it’s obviously an animal. That’s the bottom line. Everyone has to make sure they are aware of that,” Brown said.

Animal control officers cited Jaffe, who was not handling the dog at the time, for a bite causing injury . The dog, which was not entered in the show, was taken into custody by animal control and will be the subject of a dangerous dog hearing in 10 days, Brown said.

"This is an extremely rare event," said Glenda Stephenson, president of the Space Coast Kennel Club of Palm Bay.

"I have never see it happen at a dog show. Maybe a hand bitten but never something to this extent," said Stephenson, who was shaken by the attack.

Melbourne Fire Department paramedics attended to Patman, who was conscious and talked to another woman. Melbourne police, who arrived within minutes, took witness statements and assisted two Brevard County Animal Services agents.

There were 200 entries in the show, in which registered dogs were tested on their obedience and standard against their breed. Competing dogs must be registered with the American Kennel Club.

Watch Local 6 News for more on this story.