In the 15-year period of 2005 through 2019, canines killed 523 Americans. Pit bulls contributed to 66% (346) of these deaths. Combined, pit bulls and rottweilers contributed to 76% of the total recorded deaths. | More »
Statistical information gathered by DogsBite.org is verifiable through news reports and other criteria.1 Our Fatality Citations section documents sources used in our dog bite fatality research.
| 2017 fatal dog attacks by breed |
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In 2017, 9 dog bite fatalities involved canines from 2 or more different breeds, thus producing a death count total of 54 rather than 42. Six dog breeds each contributed to 1 death, including: Australian cattle dog-mix, doberman pinscher-mix, giant schnauzer, husky, Japanese akita and rottweiler. The combined breed group, mastiff/bullmastiff, includes: 1 English mastiff, 1 mastiff-mix and 1 South African mastiff.
The below items were issued when annual statistics were originally published on February 28, 2018. New fatalities and updates to our 2017 Fatality Statistics may have been added since.
Logan Braatz, -years old, was killed by up to three dogs while walking to a school bus stop with a group of children. The dogs, a pit bull, pit bull-mix and unidentified breed, also critically injured 5-year old Syrai Sanders -- the dogs severed her scalp from her skull. The attack occurred at about 7:20 am in the 1200 block of Gideons Drive in southwest Atlanta. Police shot one dog, injuring it. Both children were transported to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston. Logan was transferred to Grady Memorial Hospital's trauma unit, where he died. Aerial footage from a news chopper captured the horrific aftermath of the attack, showing clothing and other items strewn across the area of the attack. Multiple adult witnesses provided chilling accounts about what happened that morning. The owner of the two pit bulls suspected in the attack, Cameron Tucker, 31, was arrested and charged with two counts of misdemeanor reckless conduct, and later, one count of felony involuntary manslaughter. A judge later reduced the charges to misdemeanor manslaughter. [source citations]
| Date of death: | January 17, 2017 | Chained: | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breed of dog: | Pit bull and pit bull-mix Unreleased (1) |
Relationship to dog: | Non-family |
| Sex of dog: | Unreleased | Owner of dog: | Neighbor |
| Spay/Neuter: | Unreleased | Multiple dogs: | Yes |
| On/Off property: | Off | Criminal charges: | Yes (MISD) |
| Breed ID image: | 2017 Fatal Dog Attack Breed Identification Photographs | ||
Skylar Julius, 2-months old, was killed by the family dog. On January 17, at about 1:30 pm, San Marcos police and EMS were dispatched to a residence in the 1000 block of Sagewood Trail for a report of a baby with "numerous animal bites." The infant was transported to Central Texas Medical Center, where she was declared dead at 2:08 pm. San Marcos Police Department Commander Kelly Earnest said the father told police he fell asleep while the baby was napping in an infant bouncer next to him on the couch. He woke up about 20 minutes later and found her cold to the touch, unresponsive and injured. The family had owned the male German shepherd for more than 8 years and had raised the dog since it was a puppy. The family said the dog did not have a history of aggression. Animal control impounded the animal. Police later stated in a news release, "there was not enough probable cause to obtain a warrant for blood tests on the father for drugs or alcohol. The father would not consent to testing for drugs or alcohol." The dog was euthanized two weeks later. [source citations]
| Date of death: | January 17, 2017 | Chained: | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breed of dog: | German shepherd | Relationship to dog: | Family |
| Sex of dog: | Male | Owner of dog: | Parents |
| Spay/Neuter: | Unreleased | Multiple dogs: | No |
| On/Off property: | On | Criminal charges: | No |
Louise Hermida, 75-years old, was fatally attacked by her own dog. At about 1:00 am, the dog attacked her in the basement of her Long Island City home at 38-07 27th Street. The dog also bit her 39-year old autistic son, who managed to escape to a neighbor's home to get help. The New York Police Department said she suffered "trauma to her upper torso." Hermida was transported to New York Presbyterian Hospital where she was pronounced dead. Her family adopted the dog nearly 6 years earlier from NYC Animal Care and Control when the dog was about a year old. The male dog, "Boss," was described as a mastiff-great dane mix. No photos were released of the dog. Two weeks before the fatal mauling, Boss killed a small terrier in the neighborhood. Hermida had been planning to return the dog to the shelter because it was too aggressive, but did not act soon enough. Family members said Hermida was trying to break up a fight between Boss and another dog when Boss attacked her. The family kept up to ten dogs in the basement of their home. [source citations]
| Date of death: | February 13, 2017 | Chained: | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breed of dog: | Mastiff-great dane mix | Relationship to dog: | Family |
| Sex of dog: | Male | Owner of dog: | Victim |
| Spay/Neuter: | Yes7 | Multiple dogs: | No |
| On/Off property: | On | Criminal charges: | No |
Child John Doe, 5-years old, was killed by his family's two English mastiffs. Clarksville emergency personnel responded to a home in the 1000 block of Charles Thomas Road at about 8:20 am for a report of a dog attack. They discovered the boy with "extensive injuries" after being mauled by the dogs. The child was transported to Tennova Medical Center where he died from his injuries. Both dogs were taken into custody by Montgomery County Animal Control. Police said both dogs were under a year old. Later news reports stated 6-months old. Montgomery County Animal Control released a photograph of the dogs being held in quarantine. Clarksville Police Lieutenant Steve Warren said, "Our hearts certainly go out to that family, and to the first responders, it was a tough call for them too." Police opened an investigation into the dog attack. News footage of the home on Charles Thomas Road, a new subdivision, showed high fencing around the victim's backyard. No additional information, including the identity of the child, was released. [source citations]
| Date of death: | February 16, 2017 | Chained: | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breed of dog: | English mastiff (2) | Relationship to dog: | Family |
| Sex of dog: | Unreleased | Owner of dog: | Family |
| Spay/Neuter: | Unreleased | Multiple dogs: | Yes |
| On/Off property: | On | Criminal charges: | No |
| Breed ID image: | 2017 Fatal Dog Attack Breed Identification Photographs | ||
Jamie Owsley, 21-years old, died after being bitten in the neck by a family pit bull. The attack occurred at his home at 1005 1/2 Jersey Street in the early morning hours of February 26. The dog involved was one of three pit bulls belonging to his roommate and cousin Kerry Talburt II. Talburt told police around 3:00 am he heard some rustling in the living room, where Owsley slept, and his dog barking and growling. He got up and went to the living room. "He saw his pit bull, Hercules, had his mouth latched onto Owsley's neck. Talburt said he grabbed the dog and pulled him off, took him into his bedroom, and put him in his kennel," states the Quincy police report. Forensic Pathologist Dr. Denton ruled his cause of death was "penetrating and crushing injuries of the neck, due to a dog attack." It is believed Owsley suffered a seizure before the attack. In July, Talburt was arrested for allowing his pit bull to attack a man during an altercation. Talburt was charged with six felonies. He was sentenced to 15 years as part of a plea deal for related and unrelated offenses. [source citations]
| Date of death: | February 26, 2017 | Chained: | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breed of dog: | Pit bull | Relationship to dog: | Family |
| Sex of dog: | Male | Owner of dog: | Roommate |
| Spay/Neuter: | Unreleased | Multiple dogs: | No |
| On/Off property: | On | Criminal charges: | No |
| Breed ID image: | 2017 Fatal Dog Attack Breed Identification Photographs | ||
Valentine Herrera, 76-years old, was savagely attacked by two pit bulls and died nearly one month later. The attack occurred on February 2, around 5:45 pm in the 2600 block of North Lincoln Park Avenue, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. Herrera was walking his pomeranian, "Dodger," when the pit bulls escaped their property and attacked Dodger, killing him. When Herrera intervened, the pit bulls attacked him. The dogs knocked him to the ground and tore into his flesh. Herrera was transported to LA County-USC Medical Center where he underwent brain surgery. He remained in critical condition until he died on February 27. Neighbor Frank Carrasco, who witnessed the violent attack, said the owner of the pit bulls did not attempt to help the elderly man sprawled on the ground and bleeding afterward. Animal control officers took custody of both pit bulls, described as males between the ages of 2 and 3. Several days before the attack, the same pit bulls killed a neighborhood dog belonging to Stephanie Grezelle in front of her two children. [source citations]
| Date of death: | February 27, 2017 | Chained: | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breed of dog: | Pit bull (2) | Relationship to dog: | Non-family |
| Sex of dog: | Male (2) | Owner of dog: | Neighbor |
| Spay/Neuter: | No | Multiple dogs: | Yes |
| On/Off property: | Off | Criminal charges: | No |
| Breed ID image: | 2017 Fatal Dog Attack Breed Identification Photographs | ||
Nancy Mira, 67-years old, died one month after being bitten on the neck by a family dog. According to the Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner's Office, the attack occurred on February 21 at approximately 11:48 am at a residence in the 19200 block of Southwest 128 Court. Mira was at her home "when she became belligerent and attempted to strike her son. The son's American bulldog bit the deceased on her neck," states the report. She was transported to Jackson South Community Hospital where she underwent multiple procedures. "Her condition deteriorated, and she was placed in Vitas Hospice at University of Miami Hospital" where she died on March 17, states the report. The cause of death was ruled "complications of dog bite on neck." The manner of death was accidental. The Miami-Dade Police Department was the investigating agency. In December 2010, her son's partner shared a "Got a Pet" announcement on Facebook. "Got our crazy American bulldog Duley," she wrote. There were no media reports about this fatal attack. [source citations]
| Date of death: | March 17, 2017 | Chained: | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breed of dog: | American bulldog | Relationship to dog: | Family |
| Sex of dog: | Male | Owner of dog: | Son |
| Spay/Neuter: | Unreleased | Multiple dogs: | No |
| On/Off property: | On | Criminal charges: | No |
Jase Patrick Fohs, 8-months old was savagely killed by a family pit bull while under the care of a babysitter at his home. On March 23, Calvert County sheriff's deputies were dispatched at approximately 1:00 pm to a home in the 11000 block of Prancer Court in Lusby for a report of a dog attack. Deputies arrived within one minute of the initial call. When they reached the scene, they saw the dog actively attacking the baby. They open fired on the animal, killing it, but Jase was already dead. At a news conference the next day, Calvert County Sheriff Mike Evans said the dog was a pit bull, about 6 to 8 years old. The family had owned the dog since it was a puppy. The pit bull attacked the baby "out of the blue," the sheriff said. The dog weighed about 65 pounds and had no prior record of aggression, he said. The dog had also been around the infant its whole life. The babysitter, who is a family friend and neighbor, unsuccessfully tried to stop the violent attack. She was taken to the hospital with minor injuries, the sheriff said. No criminal charges will be filed. [source citations]
| Date of death: | March 23, 2017 | Chained: | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breed of dog: | Pit bull | Relationship to dog: | Family |
| Sex of dog: | Unreleased | Owner of dog: | Family |
| Spay/Neuter: | Unreleased | Multiple dogs: | No |
| On/Off property: | On | Criminal charges: | No |
Cecille Short, 82-years old, and her dog "Taylor" were savagely killed by two vicious pit bulls while walking in a residential neighborhood. The attack occurred at approximately 1:50 pm near the 11600 block of Windmill Road in northwest Oklahoma City. Police officers fired on both dogs, killing one, and rammed the other with a vehicle. One pit bull survived and was taken into custody where it will be held as evidence in the homicide investigation. Both dogs belong to a neighbor who lives about a block away. Animal control had received complaints about the dogs before. Neighbors had issued their own warnings about these dogs as well. After a photograph of the dogs emerged from social media, there was confusion over the breed of the large white dog, an XXL pit bull or American bully, both are designer pit bull breeds. Police believe the dogs escaped from a sizable hole in the owner's fence who was away when the attack occurred. Antwon Demetris Burks, 31, was charged with second-degree manslaughter. In 2021, he was found not guilty by a jury. [source citations]
| Date of death: | April 6, 2017 | Chained: | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breed of dog: | Pit bull (1) American bully-pit bull mix (XL) (1) |
Relationship to dog: | Non-family |
| Sex of dog: | Both | Owner of dog: | Neighbor |
| Spay/Neuter: | Unreleased | Multiple dogs: | Yes |
| On/Off property: | Off | Criminal charges: | Yes |
| Breed ID image: | 2017 Fatal Dog Attack Breed Identification Photographs | ||
Maurice Brown, 60-years old, was killed by a pit bull while walking down an alley behind Middle Street. The dog had killed a rodent before breaking loose from its chain and attacking Brown at approximately 4:40 am. Neighbors heard the man shouting at the top of his lungs, "Jesus, help me, help me" before his death. Dayton police officers shot and killed the pit bull that was actively attacking Brown. Three other pit bulls from 345 Middle Street were taken into custody. Brown was transported to Miami Valley Hospital where he was declared dead. A drone captured the scene in the alley after a fire crew did a wash down to remove the bloody scene. The mauling area was extensive. Brown's death marks the third fatal dog attack in Dayton since 2014. After the death of Klonda Richey in 2014, legislation was introduced to strengthen criminal penalties after vicious dog attacks. The Klonda Richey Act failed to pass. Over a year after Brown’s death, a first-degree misdemeanor charge was filed against Anthony Austin, 28, the caretaker of the pit bull that killed Brown. [source citations]
| Date of death: | April 25, 2017 | Chained: | Yes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breed of dog: | Pit bull | Relationship to dog: | Non-family |
| Sex of dog: | Male | Owner of dog: | Tenant |
| Spay/Neuter: | Unreleased | Multiple dogs: | No |
| On/Off property: | Off | Criminal charges: | Yes (MISD) |
| Breed ID image: | 2017 Fatal Dog Attack Breed Identification Photographs | ||
Lisa Green, 32-years old, was killed by her dog on the rear deck of her home. Around 1:30 pm, Upper Macungie police were called to the 900 block of Spring White Drive after a report of a dog attack. Neighbors had already rushed over. They saw a woman lying on her back deck being attacked by her dog. "The dog started biting on her neck, started removing pieces from her neck," Vidya Chellapilla said. Another neighbor, Loretta Ottinger, also tried to stop the attack, first by hitting the dog with a meaty hambone, then a wooden board, which the dog broke in its mouth. Chellapilla alerted off-duty Slatington police Chief David Rachman, who lives nearby. He fired on the dog, ending the mauling. The dog "flipped her head up, grabbed her by the throat and then thrashed around," Rachman said. Two years ago, the dog attacked a neighbor's husky, he said. Another man said the dog bit his grandson in the face a few years ago. The dog, "Leon," was microchipped and came from Philadelphia. Green had the dog for about two-and-a-half years. [source citations]
| Date of death: | April 27, 2017 | Chained: | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breed of dog: | Pit bull-boxer mix | Relationship to dog: | Family |
| Sex of dog: | Male | Owner of dog: | Victim |
| Spay/Neuter: | Unreleased | Multiple dogs: | No |
| On/Off property: | On | Criminal charges: | No |
Jane Marie Egle, 59-years old, was killed by her South African boerboel. On May 1, around 2:45 pm, Buncombe County sheriff's deputies responded to the 100 block of Castlerock Drive after receiving a call for assistance. They found Egle dead on the floor. One of her boerboels -- Egle bred and sold boerboels -- was also in the home acting aggressively. Deputies "destroyed" the dog at the scene. Six other adult boerboels seized at the scene were also euthanized. An autopsy was conducted May 3. The cause of death was "exsanguination due to multiple penetrating and blunt force injuries of the head and neck, consistent with canine bites due to dog mauling," states the the medical examiner's report. Police never released the cause of death. The only incident report released by the sheriff's office indicated the victim had "minor" injuries. The autopsy report, which was not released until April 16, 2018, revealed the male boerboel had ripped out the front of Egle's throat. [source citations]
| Date of death: | May 1, 2017 | Chained: | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breed of dog: | South African boerboel | Relationship to dog: | Family |
| Sex of dog: | Male | Owner of dog: | Victim |
| Spay/Neuter: | Unreleased | Multiple dogs: | No |
| On/Off property: | On | Criminal charges: | No |
| Breed ID image: | 2017 Fatal Dog Attack Breed Identification Photographs | ||
Kamiko Dao Tsuda-Saelee, 6-months old, was brutally mauled to death by her family's pit bull. The attack occurred around 1:00 pm inside the baby's home in the 9100 block of West Brilliant Prairie Court. Kamiko had been playing in a baby walker near the dog when the animal suddenly attacked her, investigators determined. The baby's mother, Layla Tsuda, had stepped away to the bathroom. When she returned, the dog was biting the infant's head. Tsuda was able to stop the attack, but Kamiko had already suffered significant injuries, according to Las Vegas Metropolitan police spokeswoman Laura Meltzer. The baby was transported to Centennial Hills Hospital Medical Center where she was pronounced dead. The coroner said the baby died of multiple blunt force injuries to the head. The male pit bull "Mana" had been with the family for nine years, family members said. The family said they were blindsided by the attack -- the dog had never bitten anyone before. Clark County Animal Control euthanized the pit bull shortly after the attack. [source citations]
| Date of death: | May 8, 2017 | Chained: | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breed of dog: | Pit bull | Relationship to dog: | Family |
| Sex of dog: | Male | Owner of dog: | Parents |
| Spay/Neuter: | Unkown | Multiple dogs: | No |
| On/Off property: | On | Criminal charges: | No |
| Breed ID image: | 2017 Fatal Dog Attack Breed Identification Photographs | ||
Sandra Keiser, 71-years old, died after being attacked by her own dog. The attack occurred at her home on Deacon Abbott Road at approximately 10:30 pm on May 12, according to Redding Police Chief Doug Fuchs. She suffered "very serious injuries," he said. She was transported to Danbury Hospital, where she died later that day. In a strangely worded narrative, Fuchs said the dog attack set off a "series of events" which led to Kaiser's death, though the attack, itself, may not have been the exact cause of death. Fuchs described the dog as a "mixed-breed" and "rescue" dog, but was "not a pit bull." The dog had been living at Kaiser's home for six years. Fuchs did not identify the shelter or rescue group that adopted out the dog, nor was a photograph provided of the dog. Redding Animal Control took the canine into custody. No preliminary or final autopsy results were ever released. Dog attacks that cause "severe injuries" and the person dies as a direct or related result (dog bites a contributing factor) are included in DogsBite.org statistical data. Learn more. [source citations]
| Date of death: | May 12, 2017 | Chained: | Unreleased |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breed of dog: | Mixed-breed | Relationship to dog: | Family |
| Sex of dog: | Unreleased | Owner of dog: | Victim |
| Spay/Neuter: | Unreleased | Multiple dogs: | No |
| On/Off property: | On | Criminal charges: | No |
Susannah Murray, 3-weeks old, was mauled to death after being left alone with three pit bulls loose in the home. The attack happened around 6:00 pm inside a residence in the 1100 block of Kalamazoo Avenue SE. The baby was left alone in a bouncy chair for about five minutes, while two adults were out on the porch. When one of the adults checked on the infant, she found her bloody with severe head injuries. The family pit bull nearest the infant, a male named "Rhino," had blood around its mouth. A female family pit bull was also in the room with the baby. Susannah was transported to Helen Devos Children's Hospital and underwent seven hours of emergency surgery, but did not survive. The dogs were taken to the Kent County Animal Shelter and placed under quarantine. All three pit bulls were "rescues," according to family members. There were two males and one female in the household. On June 19, Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker announced that no charges would be filed. All three dogs were euthanized; none of the pit bulls could be ruled out. [source citations]
| Date of death: | May 26, 2017 | Chained: | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breed of dog: | Pit bull (2) and pit bull-mix (1) | Relationship to dog: | Family |
| Sex of dog: | Both | Owner of dog: | Mother |
| Spay/Neuter: | Yes (3) | Multiple dogs: | Yes |
| On/Off property: | On | Criminal charges: | No |
| Breed ID image: | 2017 Fatal Dog Attack Breed Identification Photographs | ||
Margaret Colvin, 91-years old, was brutally killed by a pit bull her daughter had acquired from a rescue group earlier that day. On May 31, Forever Home Rescue and Rehabilitation Center (FHRC) adopted out a 1.5 year old male, neutered pit bull named "Blue" to Colvin's daughter, Linda. The dog arrived at their home on Bunker Hill Lane wearing a shock collar. When Linda removed the collar, around 7:15 pm, the dog attacked Colvin who had fallen down nearby. Linda described the act as playful initially. Then Blue began to rip off Colvin's flesh, violently mauling her. Linda beat the dog with a hammer and an iron skillet. When Virginia Beach paramedics arrived, Colvin's intestines were on the floor. Colvin endured multiple surgeries, including an arm amputation. She died of her injuries early the next morning. Blue was formerly a death row dog at New York City Animal Care and Control after biting a child. The dog was pulled by a Pennsylvania rescue then sent to FHRC to be "rehabbed." FHRC owner, Jamie Cochran, was later charged with 10 semi-related infractions. [source citations]
| Date of death: | June 1, 2017 | Chained: | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breed of dog: | Pit bull | Relationship to dog: | Family |
| Sex of dog: | Male | Owner of dog: | Daughter |
| Spay/Neuter: | Yes | Multiple dogs: | No |
| On/Off property: | On | Criminal charges: | No |
| Breed ID image: | 2017 Fatal Dog Attack Breed Identification Photographs | ||
Kimberly Burton, 47-years old, died after sustaining a heart attack and multiple dog bites. Medics responded to the 12700 block of Hamburg Street at 2:15 am, but could not gain access due to the many dogs inside. Medics were called again at 3:27 am. A report from the Detroit Police Department states the victim's "brother was covered in blood and yelling at us saying he did not want us coming into the house," fearing police would shoot the dogs. Medics were able to reach the victim during the second attempt, but she was already dead. The report also states the interior of the house had "unlivable conditions." Animal control removed 28 of the 32 dogs, including pit bulls, mixed-breeds and unknown breeds.11 The occupants were allowed to keep four dogs. The Wayne County Medical Examiner's Office determined her death was caused by "dilated cardiomyopathy with multiple puncture wounds from dog bites contributing to her death." She sustained bites to the right neck, both arms, the back, the left chest, and both legs. The manner of death was accidental. [source citations]
| Date of death: | June 7, 2017 | Chained: | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breed of dog: | Pit bull (2) Mixed-breed (3) Unknown (23) |
Relationship to dog: | Family |
| Sex of dog: | Both | Owner of dog: | Family |
| Spay/Neuter: | Unreleased | Multiple dogs: | Yes |
| On/Off property: | On | Criminal charges: | No |
| Breed ID image: | 2017 Fatal Dog Attack Breed Identification Photographs | ||
Marcos Raya, Jr., 18-months old, was brutally killed by his father's rottweiler. Phoenix police officers were called to the 1900 block of East Sunland Avenue around 1:20 pm after a report of a dog attack. Upon arrival, the rottweiler was still actively attacking the child. One of the officers open fired on the dog, injuring it and stopping the attack. Police said the child's grandmother was babysitting and doing chores when she opened the back door of the home. The male rottweiler rushed inside, grabbed the baby boy then dragged the baby outside, viciously attacking him. The grandmother was unable to pull the large dog off the baby; she called 911 for help. He "never stood a chance," Phoenix fire spokesman Captain Rob McDade said. "The amount of bites this child suffered was the reason this child succumbed to his injury." The child was transported to a pediatric trauma hospital in "extremely critical condition," McDade said. He died at the hospital. Fire officials said the dog belongs to the child's father and has been a family pet for three years. [source citations]
| Date of death: | June 9, 2017 | Chained: | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breed of dog: | Rottweiler | Relationship to dog: | Family |
| Sex of dog: | Male | Owner of dog: | Father |
| Spay/Neuter: | Unreleased | Multiple dogs: | No |
| On/Off property: | On | Criminal charges: | No |
| Breed ID image: | 2017 Fatal Dog Attack Breed Identification Photographs | ||
Melissa Barnes, 65-years old, died after being savagely attacked by two pit bulls. The fatal mauling occurred on June 24 at approximately 8:00 am at a residence in the 5000 block of Love Lane, Gallatin County Sheriff Brian Gootkin said. Barnes was doing yard work when two dogs belonging to her tenant, Wayne Bartlett, followed his girlfriend's two children outside. The pit bulls viciously mauled Barnes in front the children. Bartlett and his girlfriend were away at the time of the attack; the children were under the care of his niece. Bartlett and at least one of his pit bulls had lived on the property with Barnes for six years. She was airlifted to a trauma hospital in Billings for treatment. Doctors pronounced her brain dead the following day. Barnes was kept on life support for organ donation for several days longer while doctors awaited the rabies tests results on the dogs. Neither of the dogs were current on vaccinations. Bartlett voluntarily gave up both dogs to be euthanized. According to Bartlett, his pair of pit bulls had never shown aggression in the past. [source citations]
| Date of death: | June 25, 2017 | Chained: | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breed of dog: | Pit bull (1) and pit bull-mix (1) | Relationship to dog: | Family |
| Sex of dog: | Both | Owner of dog: | Tenant |
| Spay/Neuter: | Yes | Multiple dogs: | Yes |
| On/Off property: | On | Criminal charges: | (Fined) |
| Breed ID image: | 2017 Fatal Dog Attack Breed Identification Photographs | ||
Vinson Tucker, 79-years old, was killed by a pack dogs while visiting an auto wrecking business. Around 9:00 am, Kentucky State Police received a report about a body lying in a property in the 800 block Highway 1651. Upon arrival, officers discovered Tucker deceased. Video surveillance obtained by police showed that Tucker was mauled to death by four dogs on the property. A neighbor shot two of the dogs, police shot a third dog and the other ran off. Relatives said Tucker had stopped by the towing yard to make a payment when the dogs attacked. Police said the dogs were strays, but Eric Branson, Tucker's neighbor, said the dogs belong to the owner of Stephens Towing and Wrecker Service, Mike Stephens. "It's hard to say you don't own a dog if you take care of it and it lives at your house, at your business," he said. Branson witnessed the aftermath of the attack. "It was the worst thing I ever saw in my life." Police did not release the breed of dogs involved, but Stephen's daughter stated publicly that her father has at least one pit bull at his auto shop. [source citations]
| Date of death: | July 11, 2017 | Chained: | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breed of dog: | Pit bull (1) and unreleased (3) | Relationship to dog: | Non-family |
| Sex of dog: | Both | Owner of dog: | Business owner |
| Spay/Neuter: | Unreleased | Multiple dogs: | Yes |
| On/Off property: | On | Criminal charges: | No |
Michael Parks, 60-years old, died after trying to break up a violent pit bull fight. At approximately 11:00 pm, Parks let his pit bull, "Mia," outside. The dog bolted across Davoli Street and began attacking another pit bull being walked by its owner, 41-year old Amy Loving. While trying to break up the fight, Parks was bitten multiple times. One bite was directly on his recently installed dialysis shunt. Parks began bleeding profusely. Fostoria Fire Division's EMS squad transported him to ProMedica Fostoria Community Hospital, where he died later that night. Dr. Mark Fox, the Hancock County Coroner, said Parks died from bite wounds. The attack occurred on the street at 845 Davoli Street in the Dillon Crossing subdivision. Authorities are unsure if one or both pit bulls injured Parks. "We’re not exactly sure which dog bit him, if it was the one or both," Fostoria Police Chief Keith Loreno said. "He did have serious injuries as a result." According to the Fostoria police report, Loving’s dog was "badly mangled" in the attack. It is unknown if her pit bull "Baby" survived. [source citations]
| Date of death: | July 21, 2017 | Chained: | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breed of dog: | Pit bull (2) | Relationship to dog: | Family and non-family |
| Sex of dog: | Female (2) | Owner of dogs: | Victim and neighbor |
| Spay/Neuter: | Unreleased | Multiple dogs: | Yes |
| On/Off property: | Off | Criminal charges: | No |
| Breed ID image: | 2017 Fatal Dog Attack Breed Identification Photographs | ||
Jacob Brooks, 4-years old, was killed by a pack of family dogs. The attack occurred around 7:50 pm in the 9100 block of Morelia Road. El Paso police said his mother had left him in an enclosed trampoline in the backyard where four dogs roamed. He got out of the enclosure and the dogs fatally mauled him. A teenage neighbor, who was playing basketball nearby, heard a woman crying and saying her son ran away. He decided to look in her backyard first, which is when he confronted the dogs and found her mangled son. He managed to pry one of the dogs off the boy, but then had to defend himself against the dogs. Police discovered Jacob's lifeless body at the scene. Animal control seized four dogs, described as one pit bull and three shepherd-mixes. The pit bull was adopted to them by El Paso Animal Services in February. Neighbors said the dogs were aggressive and had escaped their property before. On September 29, 2017 authorities arrested and charged his parents, Brittany Brooks, 27, and Ashley Brooks, 29, with felony Injury to a Child. [source citations]
| Date of death: | July 27, 2017 | Chained: | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breed of dog: | Pit bull-mix (1) German shepherd-mix (3) |
Relationship to dog: | Family |
| Sex of dog: | Female (4) | Owner of dog: | Mother |
| Spay/Neuter: | Yes 1/Unreleased 3 | Multiple dogs: | Yes |
| On/Off property: | On | Criminal charges: | Yes |
| Breed ID image: | 2017 Fatal Dog Attack Breed Identification Photographs | ||
Paris Adams, 20-months old, was killed by two family pit bulls while under the care of his grandmother. The attack occurred just after 3:00 pm at 64 Highland Avenue. The grandmother, Sandra Adams, and the child were outside her home. When Adams attempted to re-enter the home, the two pit bulls inside charged out, knocking Adams down and brutally mauling the child. Eventually, Adams was able to get the dogs back into her home. Instead of calling 9-1-1, Adams transported the baby to a nearby location where she picked up the boy's mother, then drove to Reddy Urgent Care in Hartwell, where the baby was pronounced dead. The next morning, District Attorney Parks White announced a string of criminal charges against the grandmother. Sandra Adams, 70, was charged with second-degree murder, second-degree cruelty to children and involuntary manslaughter. Adams had been cited for the same two pit bulls on multiple occasions in the past. In March 2018, Adams pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and was sentenced to 10 years probation. [source citations]
| Date of death: | August 1, 2017 | Chained: | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breed of dog: | Pit bull (2) | Relationship to dog: | Family |
| Sex of dog: | Both | Owner of dog: | Grandmother |
| Spay/Neuter: | Mixed | Multiple dogs: | Yes |
| On/Off property: | On | Criminal charges: | Yes |
| Breed ID image: | 2017 Fatal Dog Attack Breed Identification Photographs | ||
Infant John Doe, 3-weeks old, died eight days after being attacked by a family dog. On July 29, police and fire departments responded to a call about an injured infant, Bangor police Detective Sgt. Brent Beaulieu said. The child had been injured by “a family pet," and was transported to Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor. “Unfortunately, the child succumbed to the injuries and was pronounced dead at the hospital," Beaulieu stated in an August 6 news release. The 21-day old baby was sleeping in a bassinet in the same room as his parents and their family dog. The couple awoke to find the husky-shepherd mix attacking the baby, Beaulieu said. At the time of the attack, the baby, his parents and the family dog, who reside in Aroostook County, were visiting relatives at a home in western Bangor. The attack occurred at approximately 5:30 am, Beaulieu said. The couple told police the dog had never shown aggression before. The dog will be euthanized and no charges will be filed, Beaulieu said. Police did not identify the names of the infant or his parents. [source citations]
| Date of death: | August 6, 2017 | Chained: | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breed of dog: | Husky-German shepherd mix | Relationship to dog: | Family |
| Sex of dog: | Unreleased | Owner of dog: | Parents |
| Spay/Neuter: | Unreleased | Multiple dogs: | No |
| On/Off property: | Off | Criminal charges: | No |
Michael Obergas, 2-months old, was killed by a family dog while he slept in a bassinet in a secure bedroom. One of the dogs was able to open the door and attack the infant after his parents stepped away, according to police. On August 19, homicide detectives responded to a residence at approximately 3:10 pm in the 5900 block of Nelwyn Street in north Houston. The baby was mainly mauled in the torso area, according to news reports. The infant was driven by ambulance to Memorial Hermann Greater Heights Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Investigators questioned and released the baby's parents, whose names were not released. The Houston Police Department's homicide division investigated the case, as they do in all deaths involving babies. The two male family dogs, a giant schnauzer and Labrador retriever, both named Jack, were surrendered to BARC, Houston's municipal animal control agency. It could not be determined which of the dogs attacked the infant, so both dogs were euthanized. No criminal charges were filed. [source citations]
| Date of death: | August 19, 2017 | Chained: | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breed of dog: | Giant schnauzer (1) Labrador retriever (1) |
Relationship to dog: | Family |
| Sex of dog: | Male (2) | Owner of dog: | Parents |
| Spay/Neuter: | Unreleased | Multiple dogs: | Yes |
| On/Off property: | On | Criminal charges: | No |
| Breed ID image: | 2017 Fatal Dog Attack Breed Identification Photographs | ||
Alicia Malagon, 76-years old, was killed by a pit bull she was dog-sitting. The attack occurred during the night, before 1:30 am, after she brought her own dachshund to her daughter and son-in-law's home in the 22000 block of Northwest Lamont Road. Once there, a pit bull named "Blue" attacked her dog. When she tried to separate the two, the pit bull attacked her. When Calhoun County sheriff's deputies arrived, they discovered a "significant blood trail" leading from a bedroom to the kitchen, where they found Malagon unresponsive in a large pool of blood. She was bitten in several places, but "most noticeably was her right leg, which sustained extremely deep and large lacerations," deputies wrote. Malagon was able to crawl to a phone and call her son-in-law, but told him she would be "fine." Still, he contacted his brother and asked him to check on her. When his brother arrived, he had to breakdown the door. He found Malagon on the kitchen floor. She was taken to Calhoun-Liberty Hospital where she was pronounced dead. [source citations]
| Date of death: | August 26, 2017 | Chained: | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breed of dog: | Pit bull | Relationship to dog: | Family |
| Sex of dog: | Male | Owner of dog: | Daughter |
| Spay/Neuter: | No | Multiple dogs: | No |
| On/Off property: | On | Criminal charges: | No |
| Breed ID image: | 2017 Fatal Dog Attack Breed Identification Photographs | ||
Grace Walks, 41-years old, died after being attacked by one or both family dogs. A bite report from Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control shows the attack occurred on August 27 at a residence in the 900 block of Pinto Drive in Fort Lake. Walks was pronounced dead at the scene. One or both dogs were involved in the attack, a 6-year old male American bulldog, named "Max," and a 9-year old female pit bull, named "Holly." Walks lived at the residence with her father and mother-in-law. Neither was home at the time of the attack. Both dogs were registered to Walks' mother-in-law. A next-door neighbor discovered her body at 8:15 am inside a fenced-in yard, where both dogs were loose. He tied up Max and called Palm Beach police. The Palm Beach County Medical Examiner's report said she died of injuries sustained during the dog attack. "Exsanguination due to facial lacerations and neck punctures due to dog mauling" was the cause of death and the manner of death was an accident. Both dogs were euthanized and tested negative for rabies. [source citations]
| Date of death: | August 27, 2017 | Chained: | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breed of dog: | American bulldog (1) and pit bull (1) | Relationship to dog: | Family |
| Sex of dog: | Both | Owner of dog: | Mother-in-law |
| Spay/Neuter: | Unreleased | Multiple dogs: | Yes |
| On/Off property: | On | Criminal charges: | No |
Connie Storey, 62-years old, was horribly mauled by her son's pit bull during the night of September 8. The attack occurred outside a home in the 10000 block of Road 276 in the Beatline community, which is on the outskirts of Philadelphia. "Her son came home and found her around 1:30 am and called 911," Neshoba County Sheriff Tommy Waddell said. "She was able to tell deputies that she was feeding the dog" when the dog attacked. She was transported by ambulance to meet an emergency helicopter. "With the extent of her injuries, the decision was made to notify AirCare. She was airlifted to Jackson," Waddell said. Connie died while hospitalized at University Medical Center in Jackson 12 days after the vicious attack. The dog's owner, Josh Storey, said the dog had attacked him previously. After Connie's death, a man who claimed to be her brother left disturbing comments on social media. After his own sister was killed by a pit bull, Marty Holley wrote, "The family does not blame the breed." Marty also falsely blamed the lethal attack on rabies. [source citations]
| Date of death: | September 20, 2017 | Chained: | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breed of dog: | Pit bull | Relationship to dog: | Family |
| Sex of dog: | Male | Owner of dog: | Son |
| Spay/Neuter: | Unreleased | Multiple dogs: | No |
| On/Off property: | On | Criminal charges: | No |
Barrett Hagans, 1-month old, was mauled to death by a family pit bull while he slept in his bassinet. The attack occurred on the first night the infant spent at his father's home in Pike Township, along with his two pit bulls. His father awoke the next morning to his baby dead with extensive head injuries from the mauling. Deputies and an ambulance were dispatched to the residence in the 16000 block of Wooster Road at approximately 6:10 am. The county coroner pronounced the baby dead on the scene. The Knox County Dog Warden's Office removed two pit bulls from the residence. Both dogs were "euthanized for examination" by a court-ordered search warrant. The stomach contents of both dogs were examined. Knox County Coroner Dr. Jennifer Ogle said the baby died from "extensive blunt and crush force injuries with puncture injuries" by a male pit bull or pit bull-mix. The autopsy found no other trauma besides what was inflicted by the canine. Knox County Prosecutor Chip McConville declined to file any charges against the father. [source citations]
| Date of death: | September 20, 2017 | Chained: | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breed of dog: | Pit bull | Relationship to dog: | Family |
| Sex of dog: | Male | Owner of dog: | Father |
| Spay/Neuter: | Unreleased | Multiple dogs: | No |
| On/Off property: | On | Criminal charges: | No |
| Breed ID image: | 2017 Fatal Dog Attack Breed Identification Photographs | ||
Kathy Nichelson, 61-years old, was killed by a pit bull while visiting the owner's home. The attack occurred at around 1:00 pm in the 800 block of Goose Island Road. Kathy was attacked shortly after arriving at the home and exiting her car. A passerby who saw her severely injured on the ground tried to render aid to her. Then the dog reappeared and attacked him, biting his face. He escaped by climbing over the top of a vehicle and back into his van, where he called 911. Arriving medical responders rendered aid to the victim, while Gilmer County sheriff's deputies stood watch, in case the pit bull returned. After the dog flew out from under the porch, threatening a deputy, it was fired on and shot to death. Kathy was pronounced dead at the scene. The owner of the dog, Dante Holloway, was arrested and charged with felony involuntary manslaughter and reckless conduct. While being arrested at a traffic stop, deputies also found small bags in his vehicle commonly for narcotic use. One bag had white residue, which tested positive for methamphetamine. [source citations]
| Date of death: | September 28, 2017 | Chained: | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breed of dog: | Pit bull | Relationship to dog: | Non-family |
| Sex of dog: | Unreleased | Owner of dog: | Friend |
| Spay/Neuter: | Unreleased | Multiple dogs: | No |
| On/Off property: | On | Criminal charges: | Yes |
Javien Candelario, 7-years old, was horrifically killed by two pit bulls while over a dozen people watched. At approximately 6:00 pm, Lowell police were notified of an injured boy in the first block of Clare Street. Javien had been playing with friends when he approached a dilapidated chain link gate about 4.5 feet high between 56 and 58 Clare Street. Behind the fence were two pit bulls. Javien went to pat the dogs, according to Lowell city councilor Rodney Elliott. "The dogs pulled him over the fence," Elliott said. Several neighbors claimed the boy jumped the fence. David Swiniarski, 22, who witnessed the end of the attack, said, "Two 100, 120-pound pit bulls just getting [the boy's] neck, his legs ... Everyone was screaming, but no one knew what to do." When police arrived, Javien was already dead. Officers fired on one of the pit bulls, but it jumped the fence and fled. That dog ventured over a mile away before being killed in a hail of police gunfire over an hour later. The two pit bulls, a male and female, both unlicensed, were siblings. No charges were filed. [source citations]
| Date of death: | October 21, 2017 | Chained: | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breed of dog: | Pit bull (2) | Relationship to dog: | Non-family |
| Sex of dog: | Both | Owner of dog: | Neighbor |
| Spay/Neuter: | No | Multiple dogs: | Yes |
| On/Off property: | On | Criminal charges: | No |
Sharon Lindemann, 75-years old, was found dead in her driveway after being attacked and killed by a dog. The attack occurred in the 300 block of Private Road 2227 near Hartman. Sharon's sister, who also resides at the home, made the gruesome discovery at around 4:15 pm, after she returned from work. She called 911 panicked. "My sister is unconscious in the driveway," she told the operator. "I don't know what's wrong, but she's got a big gash in her neck." Johnson County Coroner Pam Cogan said the victim had bites, scratches and puncture wounds consistent with a canine attack. "It was certainly a lot of injuries to the body," Cogen said. "It was not a pleasant sight at all." Cogan believes Sharon was likely dead for four to six hours before her sister found her. The Arkansas State Crime Lab said she was killed by "multiple blunt force and penetrating injuries." As of January 1, 2018 the suspected dog is described as a pit bull and a DNA sample from the animal is currently being analyzed at a lab, according to friends close to the victim's sister. [source citations]
| Date of death: | October 30, 2017 | Chained: | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breed of dog: | Pit bull | Relationship to dog: | Non-family |
| Sex of dog: | Unreleased | Owner of dog: | Neighbor |
| Spay/Neuter: | Unreleased | Multiple dogs: | No |
| On/Off property: | Off | Criminal charges: | No |
Sophia Booth, 2-weeks old, died after being bitten in the head by the family dog. The deadly attack occurred at approximately 6:53 pm at 13304 Carrington Avenue in the Puritas-Longmead neighborhood, according to the Cleveland Police Department. The baby girl was transported to MetroHealth Medical Center, but did not survive her injuries, described as "head trauma." She was pronounced dead just before 9:00 pm. Police said the dog escaped from the kitchen area where it was fenced in, and bit the baby girl who was in a bedroom on the first floor. The attacking dog was a 4-year old German shepherd, according to police. A sign in the family home's front window depicted a guard dog with the language: "Warning! Security Dog." One neighbor described the dog as "ready to attack constantly" and another described the animal as a "vicious." Police provided no details about the history of the dog. The Cleveland Kennel took custody of the dog. The case will be presented to the Cuyahoga County Prosecutors Office. No criminal charges are anticipated. [source citations]
| Date of death: | November 3, 2017 | Chained: | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breed of dog: | German shepherd | Relationship to dog: | Family |
| Sex of dog: | Unreleased | Owner of dog: | Mother |
| Spay/Neuter: | Unreleased | Multiple dogs: | No |
| On/Off property: | On | Criminal charges: | No |
David Baber, 65-years old, was mauled to death by his own two dogs. The attack occurred at around 12:30 pm in Baber's fenced-in backyard in the 300 block of West Hamlet Avenue. A 9-year old boy witnessed the attack and threw bricks at the dogs, trying to get them to stop. "Only they wouldn’t get off of him. They bit his neck. He’s got a hole in it," little Kanorie said. He later jumped the fence back into his own yard to avoid being hurt. The two dogs, a male pit bull and a mixed-breed dog, were captured by Hamlet police officers and taken into custody. Baber owned five dogs that he would walk each morning. Kanorie's mother, April Parnell, said he could only walk them in pairs of two and could only walk his "energetic" male pit bull alone. Parnell said that prior to attacking Baber the same two dogs had gotten into a fight earlier that day. Baber broke apart the dog fight by throwing punches at the animals, she said. Hamlet Police Chief Scott Waters called Kanorie a "hero" for his actions. "I just thank God above that the dogs didn’t turn on him," Waters said. [source citations]
| Date of death: | November 4, 2017 | Chained: | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breed of dog: | Pit bull (1) and mixed-breed (1) | Relationship to dog: | Family |
| Sex of dog: | Male 1/Unreleased | Owner of dog: | Victim |
| Spay/Neuter: | Unreleased | Multiple dogs: | Yes |
| On/Off property: | On | Criminal charges: | No |
| Breed ID image: | 2017 Fatal Dog Attack Breed Identification Photographs | ||
Tracy Cornelius, 46-years old, was killed by four pit bulls after she tried to save a woman's life. Around 8:00 am, a woman walking along Jason Road in Guntersville was attacked by four pit bulls belonging to Cornelius' brother. Cornelius lived two doors down. She saw the attack and ran to help. The dogs then turned on her and attacked. Cornelius' own dog intervened to help her, but was killed by the dog pack, according to the Marshall County Sheriff's Office. She was taken to Marshall Medical Center North, where she was declared dead. The other woman sustained serious injuries and was treated at a hospital. In total, law enforcement seized or killed seven pit bulls; all but one belonged to Cornelius' brother, Doyle. In Marshall County there is no leash law or fencing requirements. The attack occurred on the dog owner's property and at least one of the dogs was leashed at the time. In March 2018, Doyle Simpson Patterson Jr., 47, and Amanda Dawn Albright, 40, were arrested after a grand jury indicted them on charges of felony manslaughter and assault. [source citations]
| Date of death: | November 29, 2017 | Chained: | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breed of dog: | Pit bull (4) | Relationship to dog: | Family |
| Sex of dog: | Unreleased | Owner of dog: | Brother |
| Spay/Neuter: | Unreleased | Multiple dogs: | Yes |
| On/Off property: | On | Criminal charges: | Yes |
Korbin Williams, was killed by multiple dogs while walking along a road with another boy near his home. Cherokee County sheriff's deputies were dispatched around 4:20 pm to the 200 block of Daniel Morgan School Road for a report of a dog attack. "Korbin sustained multiple bites over his body by the dogs while the other boy was bitten once on the leg," Cherokee County Coroner Dennis Fowler said. "While the dogs were still attacking young Korbin, his friend ran to his nearby home for help," Fowler said. Korbin was pronounced dead at the scene. He died of blood loss. Korbin was familiar with the dogs, "having cared for them by feeding and playing with them daily," Fowler said. The dogs belonged to Korbin's neighbor. His mother had been caring for the dogs while the neighbor was away, Cherokee County Sheriff Steve Mueller said. The dogs escaped the neighbor's yard by crawling under the fence, Mueller said. Deputies shot and killed two of the dogs. The third dog fled, but a neighbor shot it to death the next day. No criminal charges we filed. [source citations]
| Date of death: | December 1, 2017 | Chained: | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breed of dog: | Mixed-breed (3) | Relationship to dog: | Family |
| Sex of dog: | Unreleased | Owner of dog: | Neighbor |
| Spay/Neuter: | Unreleased | Multiple dogs: | Yes |
| On/Off property: | Off | Criminal charges: | No |
Emily Colvin, 24-years old, was killed by her neighbor's five pit bulls. The dogs also attacked a relative who came to her aid. Jackson County sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to County Road 121 in Section at about 9:00 am. Deputies found Emily dead on arrival. The dogs "chewed that poor girl to pieces," one first responder said. A deputy shot one of the pit bulls, killing it. Police confiscated four other pit bulls involved in the attack. The other victim, Emily's relative, received treatment for her injuries. She had been talking to Emily on the phone when she heard the dogs attacking. Emily's newlywed husband was away at the time. Tiger Frazier, Emily's friend, said she had complained about the dogs to her coworkers before the attack. The same dogs had killed llamas in a nearby field some time ago, Sheriff Chuck Phillips said. Her death inspired a state felony dog attack law, "Emily's Law. In April 2018, Brian Graden, 43, and Melody Graden, 45, were charged with criminally negligent homicide, a misdemeanor, in connection to her death. [source citations]
| Date of death: | December 7, 2017 | Chained: | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breed of dog: | Pit bull (5) | Relationship to dog: | Non-family |
| Sex of dog: | Both | Owner of dog: | Neighbor |
| Spay/Neuter: | Unreleased | Multiple dogs: | Yes |
| On/Off property: | Off | Criminal charges: | Yes (MISD) |
| Breed ID image: | 2017 Fatal Dog Attack Breed Identification Photographs | ||
Dorothy Ford, 77-years old, was attacked and killed by a family pit bull. At approximately 3:30 pm, Alsip police were dispatched to a residence in the 11600 block of South Komensky Avenue for a report of a woman being mauled by a dog on her back deck. When officers arrived, she was already dead. The dog, described as a 6-year old pit bull, continued to act aggressive towards officers and had to be put down, police said. "It was pretty horrific," said Deputy Chief Shawn Schuldt of the Alsip Police Department. "If I go through the rest of my career without seeing something like this, that would be a good thing." Police had received no prior complaints about the dog. Schuldt said the dog was well fed and cared for and officers found no signs of mistreatment or abuse. Police Chief Jay Miller said the dog belonged to a relative of Ford and had lived in the home since it was a puppy. The most recent serious attack in Alsip, three years ago, also involved a pit bull, Miller said. "It's like every time there's an incident like this, it involves this breed," Miller said. [source citations]
| Date of death: | December 11, 2017 | Chained: | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breed of dog: | Pit bull | Relationship to dog: | Family |
| Sex of dog: | Unreleased | Owner of dog: | Relative |
| Spay/Neuter: | Unreleased | Multiple dogs: | No |
| On/Off property: | On | Criminal charges: | No |
Bethany Stephens, 22-years old, was attacked and killed by her two pit bulls. The dogs later fed on her corpse. About 8:15 pm, Goochland County sheriff's deputies discovered her dismembered body in the 2200 block of Manakin Road. She had been dead for at least a day. "It was an absolutely grisly mauling. In my 40 years of law enforcement, I've never seen anything quite like it. Hope I never see anything like it again," Goochland County Sheriff James Agnew said during his first press conference. After her death, rumors flared on social media, bolstered by media reports echoing them, claiming she was murdered or attacked by a bear. Agnew had to give a second press conference to end the rumors. The two pit bulls, Tonka and Pacman, were 2.5 year old males and came from the same litter, though Bethany had only acquired Pacman about 1.5 years ago. Several weeks prior to her death, she had been keeping the dogs in outdoor kennels at her father's home, stopping by to visit and feed them about five days per week. Previously, they had been indoor dogs. [source citations]
| Date of death: | December 13, 2017 | Chained: | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breed of dog: | Pit bull (2) | Relationship to dog: | Family |
| Sex of dog: | Male (2) | Owner of dog: | Victim |
| Spay/Neuter: | Mixed | Multiple dogs: | Yes |
| On/Off property: | Off | Criminal charges: | No |
| Breed ID image: | 2017 Fatal Dog Attack Breed Identification Photographs | ||
Carol Harris, 69-years old, was killed by an orphaned akita she was "helping to rehab" to become adoptable. The attack occurred around 2:45 pm at the Canine Country Club and Feline Inn at 2332 East Washington Street, where the dog was being housed. An employee found the dog off leash with blood on its mouth. He then found the victim with significant bite injuries. "The dog appeared to be covered in what appeared to be blood on him and he then discovered the woman," said Jose Santiago with Maricopa County Animal Care and Control. She was transported to a hospital in "very critical condition." She did not survive her injuries. Carol had been working with a rescue group, Akita Advocates, of which she was an officer and the "backbone of the rescue," according to the rescue group. Her husband, Kenneth Harris, said the couple has four foster akitas and two of their own. He plans to keep all six of them and doesn’t want anyone to "blame the breed" for his wife’s death. The attacking dog, a 6-year old male akita, "Izanaghi," was put down. [source citations]
| Date of death: | December 20, 2017 | Chained: | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breed of dog: | Japanese akita | Relationship to dog: | Family |
| Sex of dog: | Male | Owner of dog: | Rescue |
| Spay/Neuter: | Unreleased | Multiple dogs: | No |
| On/Off property: | On | Criminal charges: | No |
| Breed ID image: | 2017 Fatal Dog Attack Breed Identification Photographs | ||
Lorraine Saylor, 66-years old, was killed by two pit bulls on Christmas Eve. Bell County sheriff's deputies responded to a dog attack on Wiser Branch Road about 10:20 am. Upon arrival, they found a woman and her husband had been "savagely attacked by two pit bulls." Earlier that morning, Johnny Saylor woke up and looked for his wife. When he went outside, two dogs attacked him. His brother James Saylor lives next door. He ran over when he heard the attack and threw a doorstop at the dogs to distract them. Johnny grabbed a pistol and shot both dogs, killing one, the other fled. He then found his wounded wife on the ground. Bell County Coroner Jay Steele said she suffered massive injuries on her neck, face and shoulder. She was declared dead at the scene. The dogs' owner, Johnny Dale Lankford, 42, was being held at the Bell County Detention Center on unrelated charges of domestic assault and unlawful imprisonment at the time. He was charged with harboring a vicious animal. One week later, Lankford pleaded guilty and was sentenced to one year in jail. [source citations]
| Date of death: | December 24, 2017 | Chained: | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breed of dog: | Pit bull (2) | Relationship to dog: | Non-family |
| Sex of dog: | Male (2) | Owner of dog: | Neighbor |
| Spay/Neuter: | Unreleased | Multiple dogs: | Yes |
| On/Off property: | Off | Criminal charges: | Yes (MISD) |
| Breed ID image: | 2017 Fatal Dog Attack Breed Identification Photographs | ||
Deborah Onsurez, 56-years old, was killed by a pack of dogs. At 7:50 am, Stanislaus County sheriff's deputies and emergency personnel were dispatched to the 500 block of Crows Landing Road after a report of an unresponsive person. When they arrived, they found the lifeless body of Deborah Onsurez in the driveway of a business. She had severe injuries to her body and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The preliminary investigation led detectives to believe that stray dogs killed her. Authorities captured seven dogs they identified from surveillance cameras from businesses near the attack site. The dogs were captured on surveillance cameras after the attack; the attack itself was not captured. Stanislaus Animal Services Agency Executive Director Annette Patton said the dogs, "were very aggressive" and "one of them had to be chemically captured." The seven dogs, of which only five were still alive, were a variety of mix-breeds, including: Australian cattle dog (heeler), doberman pinscher, German shepherd, Labrador retriever and pit bull. [source citations]
| Date of death: | December 28, 2017 | Chained: | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breed of dog: | Australian cattle dog-mix Doberman pinscher-mix German shepherd-mix Labrador retriever-mix Pit bull-mix |
Relationship to dog: | Non-family |
| Sex of dog: | Both | Owner of dog: | Unreleased |
| Spay/Neuter: | Unreleased | Multiple dogs: | Yes |
| On/Off property: | Off | Criminal charges: | No |
| Breed ID image: | 2017 Fatal Dog Attack Breed Identification Photographs | ||
Deaths involving minor dog bite injury, dog-related caused injury (killed by a car while fleeing a dog) and cases that lacked a "reasonably clear" determination of death after dog bite injury are not included in our fatality statistical data. Deaths involving fatal non-bite injury (struck by dog death) or deaths due to untreated severe dog bites (sepsis) may be added to our statistical data at a future time.
Fatal Pit Bull Attacks: An archive of U.S. fatal pit bull maulings from 1833 to December 2024, maintained by DogsBite.org.
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