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.

2019 Dog Bite Fatality: Elderly Woman Dies After Dog Attack in Suffield; Attack Occurred at Home of Animal Activist

Pit Bull Belongs to HSUS Senior State Director Annie Hornish Janet D'Aleo, 95-years old, died November 6 after a severe dog attack in Suffield. $2 Million Settlement UPDATE 01/13/21: The family of Janet D'Aleo has reached a settlement for $2 million dollars in their lawsuit against the owners of the dog. In November 2019, a rescued pit bull belonging to former state representative Annie Hornish, who continues to be the Connecticut senior state director of the Humane Societ… [Read full blog post]

2019 Dog Bite Fatality: Woman, 49, Dies After Being Mauled by Her Two Rescue Great Danes in Warren County, Ohio

Mary Matthews, 49-years old, was killed by her two rescue great danes on Friday. Family Speaks Out UPDATE 11/07/19: After publishing our post, we received confirmation from two separate sources that the female black great dane named "Caitlyn" was not involved in the attack that killed Mary Matthews on November 1. In mid January, the owner of Caitlyn rehomed the dog to Matthews. Six days later, the owner picked Caitlyn back up. After learning of Matthews' death, the owner wro… [Read full blog post]

2019 Dog Bite Fatality: Woman Killed by Family Pit Bulls in Bay City, Michigan

Brandy Boschen-O'Dell, 41, was killed by one or more pit bulls in Bay City, Michigan. Boyfriend's Dogs UPDATE 11/12/19: On November 1, the Bay City Department of Public Safety reported they were dispatched to a residence in the 3200 block of Westshore Drive. On their arrival, they found a 41-year old woman deceased. An autopsy determined her death was caused "from several bites made by one or more dogs that were pets." Two pit bull-type dogs were removed from the home. One medi… [Read full blog post]

2019 Dog Bite Fatality: 4-Year Old Boy Killed by Pit Bull His Family Was Housing at Their Hazel Park Home

Benjamin Cobb, 4-years old, was killed by a pit bull his family was housing in Hazel Park. Dog Owner Named UPDATE 10/29/20: On the 1-year anniversary of Benjamin Cobb's death -- who was killed by a pit bull that "detonated" like a bomb inside his home -- this is what the dog's owner, Chris Mallory, told Benjamin's mother. It is so dreadful that we will not quote any portion. Brandi Halterman had been housing the pit bull, "Bolo," for less than a day when the dog attacked. Bolo was all… [Read full blog post]