Posted on May 20, 2024 by Colleen Lynn

2024 Dog Bite Fatality: Man, 40, Killed by Family Pit Bull-Mix in Farmington Hills, Michigan

A 40-year old man was killed by a family pit bull-mix on Saturday in Farmington Hills.

Man Killed by Family Dog
Farmington Hills, MI - A 40-year old man is dead after being mauled by a family dog. Farmington Hills police officers responded to a home in the 22000 block of Elmgrove Street at about 8:00 pm Saturday for a report of a dog attack. A family member, who had not heard from the victim all day, went to his home to check on him, and found him unresponsive on the ground in the backyard. The dog was pulling on his body. He separated and contained the dog in the house prior to calling 911.

The victim was transported to Corewell Hospital Farmington Hills, where he was pronounced dead. No other people were inside the home. The dog, a pit bull-mix, was taken into custody by Oakland County Animal Control. The Oakland County Medical Examiner conducted an autopsy and ruled the cause of death as "K-9 mauling." The manner of death was an accident. The victim's name was not released. Police are speaking to family members to determine if the dog had a history of aggression.

On Saturday, May 18, 2024, at approximately 8:00 p.m., the Farmington Hills Police Department responded to a residence in the 22000 block of Elmgrove St. on a report of an injured man who had been attacked by a family dog.

A family member of the resident called 911 to report that he went to his relative’s home after not hearing from him all day, and upon arrival, the family member found the man unconscious, laying on the ground in the backyard of the home with the dog pulling at his body. The family member advised that he had separated and contained the dog in the house prior to calling 911. There were no other people in the house.

When officers arrived on scene, they found a 40-year-old man unconscious with significant wounds consistent with animal bites. Farmington Hills Fire Department firefighter/paramedics arrived on scene, provided aid, and transported the victim to Corewell Hospital Farmington Hills, where he ultimately succumbed to his wounds.

The Oakland County Medical Examiner performed an autopsy, which ruled the manner of death as accidental and the cause of death as K-9 mauling. The dog, which has been turned over to the Oakland County Animal Control, is believed to be a Pitbull mix.

Investigators are working with family members to determine if the dog had any previous history of aggression or could have been labeled as “dangerous or potentially dangerous” by Farmington Hills City Ordinance. - Farmington Hills Police Department, May 20, 2024

This is the second violent pit bull attack in Oakland County in less than a week. On May 15, a 1-year old girl and her grandparent were attacked by two family pit bulls at a home near Nissen Court and West Maple Road. The dogs belonged to the baby's grandparents. The child sustained severe lacerations to her face, forehead, lower back, and leg. The child was transported to Ascension Providence Hospital then transferred to Mott Children’s Hospital, where she was last listed in critical condition.

A 40-year man who lives at the home on Elmgrove Street owns a male pit bull-mix.

View the DogsBite.org Google State Map: Michigan Fatal Pit Bull Attacks.

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 May 17, 2024 by Colleen Lynn

Family Shares Account After Dog Survives Violent Pit Bull Attack; Layla is Currently Recovering

Layla is on the mend after surviving a violent pit bull attack on May 9, 2024.

DogsBite.org - On May 9, we received a request to help a family whose German shorthaired pointer, Layla, was attacked by an off-leash pit bull. The dog grabbed Layla by the chest and shook. She also sustained multiple injuries on her right back side, requiring stitches and draining tubes. She now wears an extra-large recovery cone. Layla turned 5-years old in April. The family set up a "comfy corner for her," and they all slept together on an air mattress to keep her from trying to jump on and off furniture.

Hi Colleen,

Our German Shorthaired Pointer was just attacked by a pit bull today. So many stitches, sutures, and three tubes draining her chest. My wife survived the attack because of her and managed to escape with a minor puncture wound and scratches on her hand.

All she was doing was walking at the front of our neighborhood, when she heard a woman scream, and to my wife's horror, she saw a pit bull charging at her as fast as it possibly could go.

There were several people that saw the entire thing and tried to help break the grip, but it wasn't until a much larger man came and forced his hands into the jaws to pry the mouth off our dog. If you're familiar with this pointer breed, they have very narrow chests. This pit bull grabbed my poor dog by its chest and shook it. My wife said that she won't ever be able to unhear the screams coming from my dog.

The owner, a woman living in a house by herself, unable to properly care for the animal, let her small-framed daughter walk this dog and risk the lives of the members in our community.

I know you've heard these stories before, but I just wanted to get ours out there. Not that our story is particularly unique, but I will say that it is alarming that we have been unable to get law enforcement or animal control to appear at our home to file a report. This happened at 1:00 pm Eastern time today, and it's likely that this dog will have to go on another walk. We're a little shocked that there isn't more urgency, considering the immediate risk that the animal poses to our neighborhood.

We noticed the email thread was much longer than just the recent attack. When we scrolled to the bottom, we saw that our last exchange was 11 years ago. That correspondence was about a Cesar Millan episode, where he helped "rehabilitate" problem pit bulls owned by reformed gang members. One was a "blue-nosed pit bull named Monster" that lived up to his name by jumping on guests and stealing food off the dinner table, according to the description of the show, "Homeboys and Hounds."

At that time, the father shared concerns about Millan advocating "complacency around pit bulls" to his followers, many of whom practiced his dog training advice like a religion. The father owned a pug then, who would not have survived the attack that Layla did. A pit bull shaking a small dog by its chest is nearly always fatal. We reminded the father then, "Cesar says whatever Cesar wants to say," and that he has also been honest about bull breeds in the past, as he was during a 2006 episode.

“Yeah, but this is a different breed … the power that comes behind the bulldog, pit bull, presa canario, the fighting breed. They have an extra boost. They can go into a zone, they don’t feel the pain anymore ... So if you are trying to create submission in a fighting breed, it’s not going to happen. They would rather die than surrender. If you add pain, it only infuriates them ... to them pain is that adrenaline rush, they are looking forward to that, they are addicted to it … That’s why they are such great fighters.” He goes on to say: “Especially with fighting breeds, you’re going to have these explosions over and over because there’s no limits in their brain.” - Season 3, episode 4, The Dog Whisperer

One decade later, he experienced a pit bull attack firsthand, or rather his wife did. "My wife said that she won't ever be able to unhear the screams coming from my dog." Several people witnessed the attack and fortunately, one intervened, "a much larger man came and forced his hands into the jaws to pry the mouth off our dog." One of the witnesses gave them a note: "My husband and I witnessed the off-leash pit bull attack your dog. Please call me if you need anything. I hope your dog is okay." ☹️

layla is recovering after violent pit bull attack

Layla is recovering after a violent pit bull attack that occurred on May 9, 2024.

Posted on May 14, 2024 by Colleen Lynn

2024 Dog Bite Fatality: 4-Day Old Newborn Dead After 'Apparent Dog Bite' from Husky in Greene County, Tennessee

A newborn is dead after an "apparent dog bite" in Greene County, Tennessee.

Infant Dies After Dog Bite
Greenville, TN - A 4-day old infant is dead after an “apparent dog bite,” the Greene County Sheriff's Office said. The infant was taken to Greeneville Community Hospital at about 10:30 am Monday. The newborn was then flown to the University of Tennessee Medical Center for treatment. The Regional Forensic Center said it could not confirm the cause of death pending the official autopsy results. The sheriff's department is investigating, along with the state's Department of Children's Services.

Scannerfood, a Facebook Page that reports findings from public safety scanner channels, wrote: "Greene Co, Tn - 4 day old baby dies after dog attack Monday Night. Child was flown by helicopter but succumbed to injuries. Incident reportedly occurred 3000 blk of Lonesome Pine Trail. The dog involved was reportedly a Husky." This kicked off an active thread with multiple local commenters. One person states, "My sister lives next door to these people and this dog has killed multiple animals of hers."

According to commenters, the dog previously killed a neighbor's rabbit, killed an animal inside the owner's home; attacked a neighbor's dog; and bit the owner's "step-child, and she failed to report it." Another states the baby's mother, "recently moved into the home." Finally, states another, "Other people are saying baby was left alone in bassinet!" While many scenarios are possible, we know that the last one is the most common when a husky fatally attacks a newborn, as discussed in February.

From 2005 to present day, we've recorded approximately 745 dog bite fatalities. Huskies have been involved in 17 of these deaths. Of these victims, 65% (11 of 17) were infants ≤11 months old and 88% (15) were ages ≤5 years old ... The two most recent wolf-dog hybrid attacks also involved biting an infant or newborn on the head ... Of the 11 husky-inflicted infant deaths, 9 have information about the victim's surroundings. 7 deaths, 78%, involved the infant lying in a bassinet, baby carrier, crib or inside a playpen at the time. 2 deaths, 22%, involved the baby "resting in a bedroom." - DogsBite.org, February 24, 2024

infant dead after apparent dog bite greene county

Rumors circulate on social media after a newborn died after an "apparent dog bite."

Damascus the Male Husky

After further investigation, comments on the Scannerfood page are starting to make more sense, particularly this one: "I know it was getting loose when [] and I were cleaning those nasty kennels." The suspected culprit is a male husky, "Damascus," belonging to the infant's paternal grandmother, who owns the home where the attack occurred. "The dog belonged to the homeowner," stated a commenter. The grandmother also breeds mini schnauzers and has a kennel system in her backyard.

The baby's father posted publicly, "Just wanna say leave my mom outta the shit that’s all I’ve got to say, yes it happen." The mother of newborn Amaya Rose Carmack isn't fairing well, "If my life can’t get any worse I swear," she wrote two days ago. According to comments on the Scannerfood post -- because police are not releasing information -- a neighbor who witnessed police arrive said that the adults left the infant alone with two huskies, a lab, and another dog to have a smoke outside.

The suspected infant-killing culprit is a male husky, named "Damascus."

Posted on May 10, 2024 by Colleen Lynn

2024 Dog Bite Fatality: Two Children Injured, Mother Found Dead After Dog Attack in Brooks County, Georgia

A 35-year old woman was discovered dead after a dog attack in Brooks County.

Dog Photos Published
UPDATE 05/14/24: The number of dogs involved in the attack, 13, has been confirmed by WALB, who also published images of the dogs. Thomasville Humane Society has secured 11 of the dogs, many of which appear to be related offspring. The location of the dog owner's home is adjacent to where the family resided. The dog owner's home has no fencing. The dog pack appears to live underneath the residence, which is built on cinderblock stilts, allowing for substantial space beneath the home.

WALB interviewed Brooks County Schools Police Chief Casey Cope. “The incidents didn’t occur within our jurisdiction but because the child is one of our students, they are therefore our family. We took it hard across the district from the superintendent down.” Notably, a pair of similar dogs seen in the WALB footage were "broadcast" by the Brooks County Animal Advocates on March 21 as being on a nearby county schools property. "These puppies are at the elementary school in Quitman, Ga."

The dog attack did not occur on the county schools property, but the dogs had allegedly been known to be on the schools property as strays. The dogs severely injured a child attending one of the schools and killed his mother just yards away from the county properties, where the family lived. The dog owner's home is across the street from the middle school property and adjacent to where the family lived. We hope the Williams family obtains a dog bite attorney to examine these complex issues.

Thomasville Humane Statement

Thomasville Humane (TH) released a statement following the attacks. As predicted, the group was called in by authorities to "fill in the gaps" in this case, given the "non-existent animal control services" in the county and their "extensive experience in handling large numbers of animals." The city of Quitman "has only one animal control officer and they are unable to deal with a situation of this type or magnitude," the statement says. One of the dogs was shot by law enforcement before TH arrived.

(Full statement) On Thursday, May 9th, Thomasville Humane (TH) responded to a request from the Brooks County Sheriff’s Office to assist with a tragic dog attack. A 35-year old woman was mauled by dogs in front of her home in Quitman. The 15 dogs residing there were reported to be aggressive and had been left unattended by a neighbor.

While Thomasville Humane no longer performs animal control services, the organization previously served in that capacity for Thomas County for 29 years. Still, often in rural communities with limited, or non-existent animal control services, TH is called on to fill in the gaps, despite the absence of taxpayer funding, given their extensive experience in handling large numbers of animals. Unfortunately, Brooks County does not have a facility to house such animals. The city of Quitman, where the incident occurred, has only one animal control officer and they are unable to deal with a situation of this type or magnitude... - Thomasville Humane, May 13, 2024

brooks county fatal dog attack - photographs of the dogs

Photographs of two of the 13 dogs involved in the Brooks County fatal dog pack attack.

Two similar appearing dogs on the elementary school's property on March 21, 2024.

brooks county fatal dog attack - property map

Map shows dog owner's home, victims' home and Brooks County schools property.

05/10/24: Multi-Victim Attack
Quitman, GA - On Thursday afternoon, two children were injured after being attacked by a dog pack. Their mother was found dead at the scene. Brooks County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to the 2300 block of Webster Road for a report of dogs attacking children. Arriving deputies encountered multiple aggressive dogs on the property. The children had already been driven to a hospital by a private citizen. Deputies then located the body of their mother, 35-year old Courtney Williams.

WALB reports the attack occurred on Webster Road at a bus stop behind the Brooks County Middle School. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is leading the investigation and is conducting an autopsy to determine the cause of death. The victim's sister-in-law announced her death on Facebook. "My brother’s wife Courtney Williams Cox passed away yesterday, the neighbors dogs attacked her and the kids." Her son "didn't get away fast enough." He was "hurt pretty bad," but is doing better now.

(News release) "On Thursday, May 9, 2024, at approximately 4:45 p.m., deputies with the Brooks County Sheriff’s Office responded to 2317 Webster Road, Quitman, Georgia for a complaint of multiples juveniles being attacked by a dog.

When deputies arrived, they encountered several aggressive dogs on the property. It was determined the juveniles had already been transported to a local hospital by a private citizen. Deputies subsequently located the body of Courtney Williams, white female, 35 years of age, in the yard of the residence. The Brooks County Sheriff’s Office then requested the GBI to assist with the death investigation. GBI agents and a crime scene specialist responded to begin processing the scene and conduct interviews.

Evidence collected from scene will undergo further analysis to assist investigators with this case. An autopsy will be performed by the GBI Medical Examiner’s Office to determine the cause and manner of death." - Georgia Bureau of Investigation

The scene of the attack shows a camper inside a park-like area with southern live oak trees. The yellow police tape is strewn to several trees. No fences are seen. It is unknown how near the dogs' owner lived. Residents who spoke to WALB said the county has no animal control agency. A Facebook group, Brooks County Animal Advocates, states its mission is to "establish a county animal shelter that will benefit our community." Many stray and abandoned pit bull-type dogs are seen on the page.

A relative of the victim stated on Facebook, "I tell you my family is going through it, 2 deaths in less than 13 hours apart from each other. My family is still grieving over my aunt that passed away on March 19, 2024. And now my 2 cousins." No information about the dogs' owner was released, or the breeds or number of dogs involved. According to CrimeGrade.org, the location of the multi-victim dog attack in Brooks County, Georgia is designated "Red," indicating a high rate of animal cruelty.

As we prepared this post, Brooks County Animal Advocates posted about this attack. "It is an absolute shame, now more than ever, that Brooks County, Georgia does not have any type of animal control," the group states. "This residence in particular has been on Brooks County and the City Animal Shelter's radar for quite some time. Many community members have notified the County and City shelter, several times, about the dogs at this residence with no effort to fix the problem."1

Relative Posts Child's Injuries

The sister-in-law also posted injuries sustained by the victim's son. Most lacerations have already been sutured, but there remains a gruesome open injury on his right arm. Cox also spoke of a Good Samaritan, a man she calls an "angel," who helped save the children. "The man helped fight the dogs off and managed to get the kids in his truck to hospital. This man, which we don't know his name, is a blessing to my family for without him I don't know what the outcome would have been," she wrote.

Courtney Williams Cox, 35, was found dead after a dog attack in Brooks County, Georgia.

1Most readers already know this, but the location of the attack is outside of Quitman city limits. This problem falls to the county. The Quitman city animal shelter only provides services inside the city. In 2022, a "repeat" hoarder in Brooks County, Richard Jerry Mcleod, was arrested for the second time about 12 miles east of the multi-victim attack location. In that case, Thomasville/Thomas County Humane Society, stepped into help. Chatter on social media is saying that 13 dogs were involved in the multi-victim attack. It's unclear what agency rounded up these 13 dogs and is housing them. That could be a function of GBI too. Because they are leading the investigation, they may have their own resources.

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