A PREGNANT woman has been left in a serious condition after being hit by a rottweiler that had fallen from 30 feet up.
The unnamed woman, 28, was rushed to hospital after the accident on Via Frattina, one of central Rome's chicest streets, on Friday.
Local reports state that her life is not in danger, however.
The animal died in the street "after more than an hour of agony" following its fall from the third-floor balcony, according to Rome newspaper Il Messaggero.
According to witnesses, the animal made a gunshot-like sound when it hit the ground.
Dog who 'always melts hearts' with his smile hopes to find a loving family
Italian news agency Ansa also report that the dog's owner, who has been left distraught, said she didn't notice a thing.
The conditions surrounding the dog's fall are yet to be confirmed, although police are working to reconstruct the exact dynamics of the accident.
One theory is that the dog fell while in pursuit of a cat in the apartment.
On average, a female rottweiler weighs between 35kg-48kg, while a male can weigh as much as 50kg-60kg.