Posted on August 23, 2024 by Colleen Lynn

2024 Dog Bite Fatality: Estate of Arkansas Man Killed by Three Violent Pit Bulls Awarded $15 Million

Reuben Pierce, 70, died three months after being mauled by three violent pit bulls.

Complaint and Judgment
Jacksonville, AR - On October 30, 2023, "Reuben Pierce was attacked and mauled by defendants’ pit bull dogs. Reuben Pierce’s injuries were horrible and painful. Mr. Pierce was hospitalized and received medical care from October 30, 2023, until he passed away on January, 24, 2024," state court filings. On August 19, 2024, Judge Sanders Huckabee awarded the plaintiff a judgment against the defendants in the amount $5 million in compensatory damages and $10 million in punitive damages.

There were no media reports about this vicious attack when it occurred or at the time of Pierce's death. The first reports occurred in early April 2024, after the wrongful death lawsuit was filed on March 27, 2024 in the Circuit Court of Lonoke County. Both media reporting sources (The Arkansas Leader and The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette) are behind paywalls. However, the state of Arkansas has an open court record system, so we were able to obtain the relevant court filings for our readers.

The October attack occurred in the 200 block of Morgan Road in Jacksonville, where the defendants, Kenneth Cash and Jennifer Swartz, reside. Pierce lived across the street from the pair, according to property records. Both Cash and Swartz were sued for "wrongful death, negligence, battery, tort of outrage and punitive damages," states the filing. "Defendants were aware that their pit bulls had dangerous tendencies because the dogs had attacked and bitten other people," alleges the filing.

Included in the Complaint was a montage of images showing the "horrible and painful" injuries that Pierce sustained, while he spent the last few months of his life in a hospital, enduring "pain and suffering, mental anguish, severe injuries, and medical bills," states the filing. "The "defendants intentionally kept the pit bulls even though they knew they were dangerous and have attacked people in the past." The dogs belonging to the couple had also attacked other neighbors, alleges the filing.

Not long after the Pierce attack, a neighbor came under attack by the same dogs and was able to shoot and kill two of the pit bulls, reports The Leader.

The defendants represented themselves pro se and supplied a "handwritten" Response. They denied all 16 allegations. The judge disagreed. "Based upon the proof presented," the Court wrote, the "plaintiff is awarded compensatory damages of $5,000,000 and punitive damages of $10,000,000, for a total award of $15,000,000, against defendants, Kenneth Cash and Jennifer Swartz, jointly and severally." The defendants were ordered to supply the Court with a list of all assets within 45 days.

According to property records, Swartz purchased the home on the Ides of March 2023. Within seven months, the couple's pit bulls had attacked multiple neighbors and mauled Pierce. Both Cash and Swartz had been backyard breeding pit bulls, according to their Facebook pages. The stud, "Boss Hogg Cash" died in September 2022. The female, Izzy, had a litter in November 2022 (the last pairing with Boss Hogg). The Leader reported that three pit bulls were in involved in the mauling of Pierce.

Online court records show that Swartz was charged with two counts of unlawful dog attack, each a Class A misdemeanor, after Pierce's attack. Last month, she pleaded no contest to both charges. She was ordered to pay $2,320. Due to the civil judgment, she will likely now owe the Court funds for the rest of her life. Cash has a history of misdemeanor charges, largely driving offenses. However, that escalated in May 2024 after another traffic stop resulted in a felony drug possession charge.

The Massive Award

When defendants lack resources, large awards like this one are symbolic victories. Notably, The Leader reports that Jacksonville attorney John Ogles, who represented the estate of Pierce, also won a $1.2 million judgment against the owner of two pit bulls that attacked a Maumelle man and his dog last year. The defendant, Paul Stehley, was ordered to start making that payment in May 2023, however, Stehley appealed the order. The case has been stayed until the appeal is resolved.

Arkansas BSL Cities

Both symbolic monetary awards come as multiple jurisdictions in Arkansas are under pressure by pit bull advocates to repeal longstanding pit bull bans. In 2021, Cabot replaced their ban with mandatory sterilization and insurance requirements. Beebe kept their ban after hearing from Robby Taylor's parents in 2021, while Maumelle repealed their ban. In 2022, Jacksonville, the city where Pierce was mauled, kept their ban. Currently, Lonoke is considering a repeal of its ban, as is Sherwood.

The owner's Facebook pages: The primary stud, "Boss Hogg Cash," died in September 2022. The female, "Izzy," had puppies in November 2022. Two puppies seen in January 2023.

View the DogsBite.org Google Map: Arkansas Fatal Pit Bull Maulings.

Baseline reporting requirements:
Law enforcement departments across the United States should release consistent "baseline" information to the media and the public after each fatal dog mauling, including these items.

Posted on August 12, 2024 by Colleen Lynn

2024 Dog Bite Fatality: Family Guardian Breed Dogs Kill 9-Year Old Girl in Overgaard, Arizona, Mother Says

A 9-year old girl was killed by family guardian breed dogs in Arizona.

Cane Corsos Confirmed
UPDATE 08/14/24: According to Facebook's "View edit history" feature, the child's mother updated her original post on August 14, adding the term "cane corso." The post now reads, "For multiple years we had Cane Corso guard dogs that had been trustworthy with our children." The child's family also requested that the dogs be destroyed. "When the Sheriff took the Cane Corso guard dogs, we requested that they put them down," states the updated post that announced her daughter's death.

08/12/24: Police Press Release
Overgaard, AZ - A 9-year old girl is dead after being mauled by her family's guardian breed dogs, her mother Shirley Barney said. "Shiree, graduated from Earthly Angel to Heavenly Angel" on August 9, she announced on Facebook. "For multiple years we had guard dogs that had been trustworthy with our children. Shiree went outside by herself for just 10 minutes to turn off the water lines and they attacked and killed her in that short time. We were completely shocked and devastated," she wrote.

On August 9, 2024, at about 6:31 pm, Navajo County sheriff’s deputies responded to the 2500 block of South Road in Overgaard. "The reporting party advised the family dogs attacked a nine-year-old female," states a release from the agency. "The victim was at home with many members of her family and had run outside to turn off a water spigot. The family dogs routinely interact and are familiar with the family and children." For "unknown reasons," the dogs attacked the girl causing fatal injuries.

Child death in Aripine

Holbrook, AZ: On August 9, 2024, at approximately 6:31 PM, the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 9-1-1 call on the 2500 block of South Drive in Overgaard (Aripine). The reporting party advised the family dogs attacked a nine-year-old female.

The victim was at home with many members of her family and had run outside to turn off a water spigot. The family dogs routinely interact and are familiar with the family and children. For unknown reasons, the dogs attacked the young girl causing severe physical trauma. Members of her family, with the assistance of Emergency Medical Dispatching (EMD) from the Show Low Regional Dispatch Center, attempted to provide medical aid but the young girl succumbed to her injuries. The investigation of this tragic incident is being handled by the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office- Criminal Investigation Unit and the Navajo County Animal Control.

Due to the ongoing investigation, no further information will be released.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of the young girl. - Navajo County Sheriff’s Office

Locals report the two dogs involved were cane corsos, who some call a "king corso" or "king cane corso." The "king" portion is a marketing gimmick by breeders. The cane corso is a large bull breed mastiff that is part of the "guardian dog group." Like the XL pit bulls/XL bullies are larger versions of the pit bull terrier, the unofficial "king" cane corso seems to just be a larger version of the cane corso. According to police, "The family dogs routinely interact and are familiar with the family and children."

But on August 9, the family guardian breed dogs killed Shiree Barney for "unknown reasons." It is also unknown if they were a breeding pair of cane corsos. A GoFundMe for the child states, she was "unexpectedly called home." The fund's organizer is trying "to alleviate the financial burdens placed on her family so they can focus on taking time to grieve and heal from their loss. Funds will help the Edward and Shirley Barney family with cost of memorial and other services related to her passing."

"Doodle" Breeders

The father of the child declares on Facebook that he operates "Raise a Paw," which specializes in sheepadoodle, whoodle, and goldendoodle puppies. "If you want to buy from a reputable, responsible breeder, you've come to the right place! We care very much about our dogs and puppies, and put a lot of time and effort into making sure they are healthy and happy," states their website. "Doodle" breeds are quite the contrast to hulking cane corsos, a "gladiator" and "guardian" molosser breed war dog.

guardian breed dogs kill child in Overgaard, Arizona

A 9-year old girl was killed by a pair of family guardian breed dogs in Overgaard, Arizona.

The mother's announcement has been shared hundreds of times on Facebook. Many reactions to it are like the above. The "felt no pain" aspect seemed to concern people the most.

Posted on August 10, 2024 by Colleen Lynn

2024 Dog Bite Fatality: Baby Dies Following Attack by 'Two Large Pit Bulls' Inside Apartment in Memphis, Tennessee

A baby died after being attacked by two large pit bulls at the Cedar Run Apartments.

Baby Killed by Dogs
Memphis, TN - On Friday afternoon, a 1-year old boy sustained critical injuries after being attacked by two dogs, police said. The boy was transported to a hospital, where he later died. Police were dispatched to the Cedar Run Apartments in the 5900 block of Ridgeland Drive at about 5:20 pm. The dogs were still attacking the child inside an apartment unit when officers arrived. When police made it inside the unit, the dogs were still in attack mode, forcing an officer to shoot and kill both dogs.

Audio dispatch log files from Memphis Police and Shelby County Sheriff identify the breed of dog and describe a similar scene. The dispatcher states, "5966 Ridgeland Drive they are advising that two large pit bulls are attacking one male juvenile. The juvenile is beyond help." Some seconds later, the dispatcher states, "be advised that one of the dogs still has ahold of the child. They are unable to get to the juvenile." One of the parents was also injured by the dogs while trying to save the baby.

Assistant Police Chief Don Crowe spoke to the media on Friday. “They got here as fast as they could. When they arrived on the scene inside one of the apartments two dogs were mauling a child, small infant child. The officer discharged his weapon and dispatched both dogs. The officer grabbed the child up, ran downstairs, started first aid on the child,” Crowe said. He added, "Right now, we just want to pray for that family and pray for that child and pray for the officer that had to face this tonight."

Family XL Pit Bulls

In October of 2022, two large pit bulls -- also known as XL pit bulls or XL bullies -- killed both children in the household in Millington, Tennessee, which resides in Shelby County and is about 10 miles north of Memphis. 5-month old Hollace Bennard and 2-year old Lilly Bennard were killed by the family's two large pit bulls, a male and female pair, Cheech and Mia respectively, the family had owned for eight years. It's reasonable to assume that the description of "two large pit bulls" indicates the XL type.

View the DogsBite.org Google Map: Tennessee Fatal Pit Bull Maulings.

Posted on August 9, 2024 by Colleen Lynn

2024 Dog Bite Fatality: Woman Killed by Large Dog Pack, Up to 25 Great Danes, in Butte County, California

Davina Corbin, 56, was killed by a large dog pack on Blackhawk Trail in Feather Falls, Butte County.

Adult Dogs Euthanized
UPDATE 08/16/24: KCRA reports that all seven of the adult great danes connected to the fatal mauling of Davina Corbin will be euthanized. According to Butte County Public Health, the 18 puppies will be eligible for adoption. Thus, it appears that DNA testing to determine which dog, or dogs, attacked Corbin is not being carried out. All of the adult dogs are simply being euthanized; the age of the puppies was not released. The investigation into her death has not led to any criminal charges.

Corbin was found dead on Blackhawk Trail at about 2:00 am on August 8. It's unknown when the dogs attacked. Neighbors said she did not own a car. They often saw her walking near Craig Access Road. Despite neighbor Max Heckler saying the dog pack had threatened him in the past, officials denied it. "At no point were these dogs ever considered a threat to humans or reported for being aggressive before the tragic event happened," said Lisa Almaguer with Butte County Public Health.

Butte County Animal Control said they received two calls about the dogs being loose, along with welfare concerns. There were "no reports of aggression." Yet, dog packs are routinely dangerous -- especially ones comprised of 25 great danes roaming at large -- and everyone in the areas of animal control, public health and policing knows this. The public knows this too, which is why Heckler got back in his car. Dogs "running at large" prohibitions are also meant to stop dog packs from forming.

Officials have not named the dogs' owner. Has he since been cited for anything? Such as loose dogs, failure to register or vaccinate, and not having a "kennel license." The county code states, "Every person who owns or controls a kennel or other place in the unincorporated areas of the county where more than five (5) dogs over the age of four (4) months are kept, for any purpose whatsoever, shall obtain a kennel license within thirty (30) days after the kennel is established and annually thereafter."

The California penal code requires prosecutors to prove beyond a reasonable doubt the owner had knowledge of the dog(s) vicious propensities (previous aggression), and "willfully suffers it to go at large," and the animal, "while so at large," kills a person who has taken precautions that any reasonable person would. The easiest way to prove this knowledge is by a documented bite or aggressive behavior. The public health department is adamant they had "no reports of aggression."

No Access to a Car

Like Corbin, a number of fatal dog mauling victims did not have a car when they were torn to shreds by violent dogs. These victims are on foot or bicycle and are much more exposed to potentially dangerous and vicious dogs along rural and city roads. Had the victim been in the safety of a vehicle, the dogs would have posed little to no threat. Not having access to a car is not the same as choosing to take a walk. The former adds considerable risk and exposure to all routine and non-routine tasks.

08/09/24 Police Press Release
Butte County, CA - On Thursday, at approximately 1:58 am, a resident contacted the Butte County Sheriff's Office about a deceased woman on Blackhawk Trail, which is about eight miles west of Feather Falls. Deputies responded to the scene and located the deceased individual, who has been identified as 56-year old Davina Corbin. An autopsy performed located numerous bite marks and injuries on her body. The forensic pathologist attributed the cause of death to a domestic dog attack.

During the investigation, deputies obtained a search warrant for a nearby residence on Blackhawk Trail. While deputies executed the search, they located 25 great dane dogs. "Deputies and detectives spent the entire day capturing the dogs, who were running loose in the area," states a release from the Butte County Sheriff's Office (BCSO). As of Friday, 23 dogs have been captured and turned over to Butte County Animal Control. Detectives continue to try to capture the two remaining dogs.

BCSO INVESTIGATING DOG MAULING DEATH

On August 08, 2024, at approximately 1:58 a.m., a resident contacted the Butte County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) and reported he found a deceased victim on Blackhawk Trail, Feather Falls, California. Deputies immediately responded and located a deceased victim, who was later identified as Davina Corbin, age 56, of Feather Falls.

On August 08, 2024, a forensic pathologist performed an autopsy on Ms. Corbin. During the autopsy the forensic pathologist located numerous bite marks and injuries on Ms. Corbin’s body. Based on the evidence located during the autopsy, the forensic pathologist believed Ms. Corbin’s cause of death was attributed to a domestic dog attack.

Deputies and detectives conducted an extensive investigation. During the investigation, detectives obtained a search warrant for a residence on Blackhawk Trail. The residence was located directly in front of the area where Ms. Corbin was located. During the service of the search warrant, detectives located approximately 25 Great Dane dogs. Butte County Animal Control responded. Deputies and detectives spent the entire day capturing the dogs, who were running loose in the area. To date, approximately 23 dogs have been captured and turned over to animal control. Detectives are currently attempting to capture the two outstanding dogs.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife sent the clothing Ms. Corbin was wearing to a lab for DNA analysis. The lab confirmed Ms. Corbin’s clothing was covered in DNA consistent with domestic dog(s). The lab is in the process of conducting additional testing, in an attempt to determine which dogs(s) attacked Ms. Corbin.

This is an on-going investigation. BCSO will provide additional information when available. Based on the preliminary investigation, detectives located evidence giving them cause to believe Ms. Corbin, who resides in the area, was walking when she was attacked by the dog(s). - Butte County Sheriff’s Office

DNA tests performed on Corbin's clothing confirmed her clothing was covered in DNA consistent with domestic dogs, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The DNA analysis laboratory is currently in the "process of conducting additional testing, in an attempt to determine which dogs(s) attacked Ms. Corbin," states the release. No information was released about the dogs' owner(s) or whether the dogs were part of a great dane breeding operation or rescue operation.

KHSL-TV reports that based on the preliminary investigation, detectives believe Corbin, who lives in the area, was walking when she was attacked by the dogs. A decade ago, it was reported that Corbin was experiencing homelessness. At that point, she had been camping in Feather Falls for about three years. Corbin described the community of Feather Falls as "close," whose residents were gracious and kind, including offering food and shelter to the homeless people who camped in the area.

The population of Butte County is about 211,600. The county seat is Oroville (pop. 20,000), but the highest number of people reside in Chico (pop. 101, 475). Paradise is also part of Butte County, which had one of the most destructive wildfires in California's history in 2018. The Berry Creek Rancheria of Tyme Maidu Indians of California is a federally recognized Native American Tribe headquartered in east Oroville. The Maidu tribe has a 65 acre reservation situated northwest of Feather Falls.