Posted on September 2, 2023 by Colleen Lynn

2023 Dog Bite Fatality: Modesto Woman, 93, Dies After Brutal Attack by a Pair of Cane Corsos

A 93-year old woman died after being attacked by a pair of cane corsos in Modesto, California.

Elderly Woman Dies
Modesto, CA - On August 31, Modesto police officers were dispatched to a residence in the 3600 block of Dothan Drive at approximately 1:30 pm regarding a dog attack. Upon arrival, officers learned an elderly female, who had been outside, was attacked by two large dogs belonging to a nearby neighbor. She sustained "major injuries" and was transported to a hospital, according to a media release from the Modesto Police Department. Chanthy Philavong Maetu died on September 1.

The dogs involved, a pair of cane corsos, were captured on a neighbor's security camera rushing her front door moments before the attack. Jeniece Dendulk said she opened her front door after the dogs rushed it, but stayed behind a metal screen door, which separated her from the dogs, (whose combined weight easily surpassed 200 pounds). "I open the door, and there's the screen, there the two big ol' dogs. I'm like, oh we're not gonna answer the door," Dendulk told CBS13 in an inteview.

She yelled to a neighbor, who said they were trying to contact the dogs' owner. It appeared the pair of dogs had escaped from the backyard of Maetu's next door neighbor, reports CBS13. After the dogs left her front door area, she heard a person screaming. "We knew [the dogs] weren't friendly," Dendulk said. When she dashed out, she saw Maetu in her front yard being attacked by the two large dogs. Dendulk and neighbors were able to distract the dogs and get Maetu back inside her home.

"It was chaos. It was a matter of 80 seconds," Dendulk said. "Looking back, it was 80 seconds. Just like that everybody’s lives changed. It was awful."

While reports initially indicated Maetu was in stable condition, her condition rapidly deteriorated. She died early the next morning, according to Modesto police. The two dogs are currently in custody at the Stanislaus County Animal Shelter. According to neighbors, the owners of the dogs were not home at the time of the attack. They also commented that both dogs had shown repeated aggression since they were puppies, reports CBS13. It's unclear if Modesto police are now pursuing criminal charges.

Modesto Police Department
Modesto, CA - September 2, 2023

On Thursday, August 31, 2023, Officers investigated a dog attack that resulted in the death of an elderly Modesto woman.

At approximately 1:30 in the afternoon we received reports of a dog attack that occurred in the 3600 block of Dothan Drive in Modesto. When officers arrived, they learned that an elderly female had been attacked by two large dogs belonging to a nearby neighbor. The woman was transferred to a nearby hospital with major injuries. Both dogs were located and are in custody at the Stanislaus County Animal Shelter.

As of Thursday evening, she was in stable condition. On Friday, September 1, 2023, we were notified that the victim, 93-year-old Chanthy Philavong Maetu had unfortunately passed away.

Detectives with our Investigative Services Division have taken over this case. No further information will be released at this time as this is an active investigation.
Our hearts go out to the Maetu family over the tragic loss of Chanthy.

According to various media reports, Maetu had been returning home from a doctor's appointment. She had just exited her car and was heading toward her front door when the dogs attacked. The victim's family has started a GoFundMe, In Memory of Chanty Philavong Maetu. "Our Grandma was brutally attacked by our neighbors dogs. She was taken from us unexpectedly," states the fund's organizer. "Anything that helps would be greatly appreciated." So far, the fund has raised over $3,000.

The pair of cane corsos were captured on a security camera moments before the attack.

Deadly Cane Corso Attacks

The rise of fatal attacks inflicted by cane corsos has been a long time in the coming. We began looking at Google Trends in about 2014, comparing the two terms "cane corso puppies" and "pit bull puppies." By 2015, the cane corso term had surged well above pit bulls. Because pit bull breeders began marketing designer pit bull breeds under a different name, American bullies, around the same time period, we added that to the comparison, showing the years January 2012 to August 2023.

In July, a pet cane corso was involved in a multi-breed attack that killed 67-year old Anthony Bastradi in Wilson's Mills, North Carolina. In March, a cane corso, used for guarding purposes, was involved in a multi-breed attack that killed 42-year old Mateo Salvador at a home-converted business in Jurupa Valley, California. In December of 2021, four pet cane corsos killed 26-year old Karen Rosa-Madrid in East Valinda, California. Rosa-Madrid and her son had been living at the dog owner's home at the time.

Google Trends shows the growing popularity of cane corso puppies compared to pit bulls.1

Rationale of Criminal Charges

Long time readers of our blog may recall the brutal attack of 54-year old Juan Fernandez and his mother in Modesto in 2014. A pack of four pit bulls belonging to Fernandez's neighbor escaped their fencing and fatally mauled Fernandez in his own backyard and nearly killed his mother, Maria Fernandez. She amazingly survived after sustaining severe injuries. Those dogs had a history of burrowing under their fencing and harassing Fernandez and his mother. No charges were brought.

At that time, the Modesto Bee ran a series of editorials questioning the "bizarre lack of laws to prosecute owners of uncontrolled recognized dangerous dog breeds," we stated in our related blog post. Dog bite attorney Kenneth M. Phillips best summarized the subsequent debate: "Four pit bulls equal danger. When you have a dangerous condition, you have to take steps to correct it." Owners who choose to own multiple aggressive breeds must have a higher standard mandated by law.

"If law enforcement cannot charge, then our lawmakers must step up and fix these laws.

Why not require anyone with an aggressive dog to alarm their fencing, just as gates in fences around swimming pools are alarmed? Why not require owners of aggressive breeds to double fence their property? Why not require people who own such dogs to carry significant liability coverage? Since these breeds are responsible for so much carnage, make certain that anyone who owns one can cover the cost. No insurance, no license; no license, no dog." - Modesto Bee editorial, 10/31/14

A pair or more of beagles escaping a property is not comparable to the danger presented by a pair or more of pit bulls or mastiffs escaping (the cane corso is a mastiff). The average fence for a residential property, wooden or cyclone, is not engineered to be a barrier between "life and death." They are not engineered to prevent a pair or pack of aggressive and powerful breeds from escaping either. When owners choose to own "200 pounds of mastiff," stronger fencing should be mandated by law.

Chanthy Philavong Maetu, 93, died after being mauled by a pair of cane corsos in Modesto.

1There is a rising number of pit bull breeders that cross pit bulls and cane corsos to make larger pit bulls and to market this cross-breed as a "cane corso," a much more exotic name for sales purposes (there is even a "pit corso" term). By default, pit bull-cane corso cross-breeds are also marketed as American bullies or XL bullies for sales purposes.

Related articles:
12/30/21: 2021 Dog Bite Fatality: 26-Year Old Woman Mauled to Death by Four Dogs in East Valinda

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 17, 2023 by Colleen Lynn

2023 Dog Bite Fatality: Blytheville Woman Mauled by Three Pit Bulls in June Dies; Dog Owner Charged with Multiple Felonies

Jeane Bennett, 93, of Blytheville, died of injuries she sustained in a pit bull mauling.

Woman Dies After Dog Attack
Blytheville, AR - The Blytheville, Arkansas Police Department issued a media advisory stating that on August 15, Jeane Bennett, 93-years old, died of injuries she sustained in a brutal pit bull mauling on June 3. After the attack, Bennett was transported to Regional One Medical Center in Memphis, where she remained hospitalized until her death. On August 16, police arrested the owner of the three pit bulls, David Veasey, 43, of Blytheville, and charged him with multiple felonies and other charges.

At approximately 6:30 pm on June 3, Blytheville police officers were dispatched to the 900 block of North Ruddle Road about a person being attacked by multiple dogs. Officers arrived and found Bennett with family members in the backyard of her home, "unconscious" with "multiple bite wounds on her face and extremities," including injuries exposing bone. According to witness statements, Veasey's three pit bulls, which resided next door, were in Bennett's backyard attacking the witness.

Officers observed blood on all three dogs and dispatched two of them on the scene. The third pit bull was later euthanized by a local veterinarian. On August 16, detectives obtained warrants for Veasey’s arrest, who was taken into custody. Veasey faces two counts of felony aggravated assault (use of a deadly weapon), two counts of an unlawful dog attack, misdemeanors, and various violations of city ordinances. Online Arkansas court records show that Veasey has a lengthy criminal background.

The attack was so horrific to community members and local officials that the city of Blytheville proposed a pit bull ordinance less than two weeks later. It's unclear if that proposal gathered any traction. Also in June, the owners of three pit bull-mixes that killed a 2-year old child in Arizona were charged with "aggravated assault with a deadly weapon," a class 2 felony in that state. We rarely see aggravated assault charges after a deadly dog mauling, which often speaks to human "intent."

Media Advisory
ARREST MADE IN DOG ATTACK CASE

Blytheville, AR – On June 3rd, 2023, at approximately 6:34 p.m., Officers of the Blytheville Police Department were dispatched to the 900 block North Ruddle Road in Blytheville regarding a person having been attacked by dogs. On arrival, Officers located, 93 yr. old Jeane Bennett, with family members in the backyard of her residence. Officers found Bennett unconscious and had multiple bite wounds on her face and extremities. Officers reported the wounds were severe enough to expose bone. Officers began providing first aid including the application of tourniquets.

Witnesses reported hearing a scream from family members and went to their aid. They reported three (3) large pit bull dogs from next door were in the yard being aggressive and attacking the witness. They were able to fight them off and get them back into their fenced yard.

Officers observed blood on the three (3) dogs that were still being aggressive towards them. Officers euthanized two (2) of the three (3) dogs at the scene the third was taken by Blytheville Animal Control Officers. The third was then euthanized by a local vet. All three (3) dogs were tested for rabies.

Bennett was transported to Regional One Medical Center in Memphis where she remained hospitalized and on August 15th 2023 she passed away.

The subsequent investigation identified 43 year-old David Veasey of Blytheville as the owner of the dogs. On August 16th 2023 Detectives of the Blytheville Police Department Criminal Investigation Division obtained warrants for Veasey’s arrest who was taken into custody on these warrants later that day. Veasey has been charged with:

2 counts of Felony Aggravated Assault

2 counts of Unlawful Dog Attack

Various Violations of City Ordinance

Veasey appeared in court on August 17, 2023 for arraignment. He was given a $100,000.00 standard bond with 10% having to be paid in cash. The Blytheville Police Department would like to thank the community, the Prosecutor’s Office and everyone involved with their assistance with this case.

Sgt. Robin Haught-Angel

Public Information Officer

Jeane Bennett, 93, died after being mauled by three pit bulls in Blytheville, Arkansas.

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

Posted on August 3, 2023 by Colleen Lynn

2023 Dog Bite Fatality: Man Killed by Own Dog that was on Trial for Attacking Neighbor in Livingston County, Michigan

A 68-year old man was found dead after being attacked by his own dog in Tyrone Township.

Dog Kills Owner
Tyrone Township, MI - The body of a 68-year old man was discovered dead behind a residence on Wednesday. Police suspected he was the victim of a fatal animal attack. On August 2, at approximately 11:40 am, Livingston County Animal Control deputies were conducting a follow-up visit at a home in the 8000 block of Faussett Road in Tyrone Township regarding a dangerous dog report. When deputies arrived, they discovered a deceased male behind the residence.

The victim's body was transported to Sparrow Hospital in Lansing for an autopsy. At that time on Wednesday, no other details were released. Today, the Lansing State Journal reports that the dog had recently been involved in an attack on another resident. The animal control deputies had been conducting the follow-up visit to serve the man a court notice about the dog, but instead found him dead in a cattle pasture. The man's dog was actively biting him when the deputies arrived.

The victim has since been identified as 68-year old Patrick Conley Sr.

The dog, described as a "mastiff-mix breed," was dispatched at the scene due to aggressive behavior toward the victim and the deputies. Police attempted medical aid, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene. The official cause of death remains pending. The identity of the victim, details about the court notice, and details about the prior attack were not initially released. The Hartland Area Fire Department and Livingston County EMS also responded to the scene.

WXYZ reports that the individual who was previously attacked by the dog is the owner's neighbor. That person suffered "extremely serious injuries," which is why the deputies were serving the court order (Notably, the dog was not seized after the first serious attack and taken into quarantine). WXYZ also spoke to William Standish, who lives nearby. He described the dogs as "guardian dogs" for the victim's livestock. Standish said he was "shocked" the man died of a dog attack.

Livingston County Sheriff's Office

Death Investigation - On Wednesday August 2, 2023, at approximately 11:40 a.m. Animal Control Deputies with the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office were conducting follow-up at an address in the 8000 block of Faussett Rd. in Tyrone Township. Animal Control Deputies were at the residence serving the homeowner a court notice issued by the 53rd District Court for a show-cause hearing. The dog at that residence had recently been involved in a dog attack incident where an area resident received extremely serious injuries. The dog was identified as a Mastiff mix breed.

While attempting to make contact at the residence, Animal Control Deputies located the 68-year-old resident who is also the dog owner, in a cattle pasture belonging to that address. It was observed that the dog was actively biting the decedent’s body when Animal Control Deputies located him. The victim who was later pronounced deceased on-scene, had fatal injuries consistent in appearance with a dog attack. Due to the dog’s aggressive behavior toward the victim and responding emergency personnel, the animal was killed on-site so that medical aid could be attempted. Foul play is not suspected. The victim was transported to Sparrow Hospital in Lansing for an autopsy. The official cause and manner of death are pending at this time. Deputies were assisted on-scene by the Hartland Area Fire Department and Livingston County EMS.

This incident remains under investigation by the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office Detective Bureau.

Finally, the last time we recorded a fatal dog mauling in Livingston County, Michigan was in 2007 after a pack of American bulldog-mixes killed two people -- it was a double fatal dog mauling that resulted in a criminal trial. Diane Cockrell, 52, of Iosco Township, was ordered to serve a minimum of 3.5 years to a maximum of 15 years in prison for allowing her American bulldogs-mixes to run loose and kill Cheryl Harper, 56, and Edward Gierlach, 91, in rural Iosco Township in 2007.

A 68-year old man was found dead after being attacked by his own dog in Tyrone Township.

Posted on August 2, 2023 by Colleen Lynn

2023 Dog Bite Fatality: Multiple Pit Bulls Kill Elderly Man in Kau, a District in Southern Hawaii County on the Big Island

Case Investigated Under New Hawaii County Law After Dog Mauling Death

Robert Northrop, 71, was killed by multiple large dogs in Kau, a district in southern Hawaii County.

Multiple Dogs Kill Man
Kau, HI - A man in his 70s is dead after being attacked by multiple dogs in a subdivision in Kau, the southernmost and largest district of Hawaii County on the island of Hawaii. On August 1, at about 9:00 am, Kau police officers were dispatched to the 92-2000 block of Outrigger Drive in the Hawaiian Ocean View Estates subdivision after reports of an animal bite. Officers found a man lying unconscious in the roadway. A witness saw the dogs attacking the man and called 911.

The victim was treated at the scene by emergency responders, but while being transported to Kona Community Hospital, he succumbed to his injuries. He was then transported to Kau Hospital for the official pronouncement of death, states a release by the Hawaii Police Department. "There is currently no evidence that the victim provoked this horrific attack. This incident is a senseless tragedy that could have been avoided," Hawaii Police Chief Ben Moszkowicz said in the release.

The dogs' owners were not home at the time; however, they have been identified and contacted by police. "Investigators are looking into claims that the dogs had previously been reported as stray animals," states the release. The owners have surrendered all four dogs and a litter of 10 puppies to the Hawaii County Animal Control and Protection Agency. "The victim's identity is being withheld until positive identification is made and the next of kin is contacted," states the release.

Police are investigating the attack under the felony dog attack statute that was passed in Hawaii County in 2022. The law was devised after three elderly people, two men and one woman, were viciously attacked by multiple dogs in the Hawaiian Paradise Park subdivision in Puna in 2021. The female victim, 85-yeares old Dolores Oskins, suffered critical injuries and died afterward. Investigators have classified the recent fatal dog attack as a Class B felony under the statute.

"Police are investigating this incident as a Negligent Failure to Control a Dangerous Dog case. Hawai’i County Code section 4-4-32 was most recently revised in 2022 and makes it a felony crime if someone fails to take reasonable measures to prevent an unprovoked dog attack resulting in serious bodily injury or death. Investigators have classified the case as a Class B Felony. If convicted under this section, the dog owners could face up to a $25,000 fine, ten years in prison, restitution, and/or the humane destruction of the dogs involved." - Hawaii Police Department

Vicious dog attacks are more prominent in rural communities, "where erecting fences on large properties is a costly solution, and state regulations prohibit tethering dogs," reports KOHN. Currently, county code allows for the seizure of dangerous dogs after an attack, as well as the felony statute. In response to multiple attacks since 2021, including the death of Oskins, the county ceased contracting out animal control services and created a separate agency.

GoFundMe & Breeds Identified

Late Wednesday, the victim was identified as 71-year old Robert Northrop of Ocean View. His family has set up a GoFundMe that has raised over $6,000. His daughters described him as a man with "more lives than a cat, because he has survived catastrophic surfing accidents, construction accidents, car crashes, motorcycle crashes, and most recently last year -- an electric bike crash into the lava fields in HOVE that hospitalized him at Queen's Medical for 3 weeks."

"It is so tragic for him to finally meet his end in this way, especially as he is a lifelong animal lover and would frequently rescue strays."

Over the weekend, Big Island Now reported that all four adult dogs involved in the deadly attack were pit bulls (three were pit bull "mixes" and the other a purebred "Staffordshire bull terrier"). Those dogs and 10 puppies seized by animal control after the attack have since been euthanized. Also, the dogs' owners admitted to a police officer at the scene that they do not live at the residence were the dogs came from, and the dogs were left unattended on the property.

The owners now may face a felony under the Negligent Failure to Control a Dangerous Dog statue. If charged and convicted, they could face a fine of up to $25,000 or 10 years in prison. The owners left 14 dogs unattended. At least four of the dogs ran off the property and killed a man. “If the dogs had been secured in a fenced area or kennels, this would have been preventable,” said Hawaii County Councilwoman Michelle Galimba, who represents the Ocean View area.

The progress being made by Hawaii County, passing the felony dog attack law in 2022 and creating the Animal Control and Protection Agency, which has been operating since July 1, is substantial. However, the combined population of the districts of Kau and Puna (where Oskins was killed in 2021) is only 65,000-70,000. It's alarming to have two dog bite fatalities in such a small population size in a few year period. Both deaths also involved multiple pit bulls attacking.