Category Archives: Dog Bite Fatalities

A collection of posts from the DogsBite.org Blog documenting U.S. dog bite fatalities in real time, beginning in 2007. Tags separate specific years.

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2014 Dog Bite Fatality: Connecticut Woman, 93, Dies after Vicious Attack by Adopted Pit Bull

Rita Pepe, 93-years old of Branford, Connecticut died on May 25, 2014. Mauling Victim Dies Branford, CT - On April 13, 93-year old Rita Pepe was savagely attacked while walking in her neighborhood by a recently adopted pit bull that charged out of its owner's home. Bill Cronin, one of several neighbors who came to rescue her, told WTNH.com, chillingly, "A large dog emanated from the back of [the] home, and we thought it was chasing a fire truck,” Cronin said. "Then it made an imme… [Read full blog post]
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Maryland Legislature Mutes Landmark Ruling, Tracey v. Solesky, During 2014 Legislative Session

Included: Timeline of Major Events from 2007 to 2014 Annapolis, MD - On April 8, Governor Martin O'Malley signed Senate Bill 247 into law abrogating the Court of Appeals of Maryland's decision in Tracey v. Solesky. The 2012 decision declared pit bulls "inherently dangerous" and attached strict liability when a pit bull attacks a person. This liability extended to landlords when a tenant's pit bull attacks. DogsBite.org submitted an amicus brief to the high court on behalf… [Read full blog post]
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2014 Dog Bite Fatality: Lee County, Alabama Woman Scalped by Pit Bulls Dies

'Ponytail' Excuse UPDATE 05/30/14: In case readers missed Blackfish, a 2013 documentary about a killer whale living in captivity involved in the deaths of three people, most recently a trainer at SeaWorld, you might not fully understand the "ponytail" excuse. This excuse is not a product of Steve Klemetti -- owners of killer dogs rarely have original ideas -- but rather an excuse popularized by SeaWorld after the death of Dawn Brancheau in 2010. Blackfish pulverized SeaWo… [Read full blog post]
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Family Dog Attack: 'Gripper' Breed Pack Attack Leads to Devastating Near Fatal Injuries

Ceara Schofield was attacked by three American bulldogs. Click an image to see a larger view. Victim Recounts Attack Opp, AL - On March 4, 2014, three family American bulldogs viciously attacked 18-year old Ceara Schofield and the dogs' owner, 37-year old Kristina Picktron. Both were hospitalized after the attack. Ceara's injuries were so severe, she was airlifted to Southeast Alabama Medical Center in Dothan. Six days after the attack, Ceara spoke with WAKA in an exclusi… [Read full blog post]