A tragic dog attack in Alabama has left one woman dead and two others seriously injured.
Deputies with the Blount County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call about a dog bite around 3 a.m. on Tuesday, September 23, on Macks Way in Oneonta. When they arrived, they found 61-year-old Sandra Wolfe Schaefer and two others suffering from severe injuries.
Authorities say the dog’s caretaker, who was watching the animal for a jailed friend, had stepped outside to walk it when the dog suddenly “went crazy” and mauled his hands, nearly ripping off his fingers. Schaefer and her husband, who were visiting at the time, rushed to help but were also attacked.
The violent attack only ended when a neighbor ran over and shot the dog. “A neighbor/family member of the sitter ran over and attempted to shoot the dog to stop the attack but the gun malfunctioned,” Sgt. Jason Paul said in a statement. “When the dog disengaged, he was able to shoot the dog, which didn’t survive.”
All three victims were rushed to the hospital, but Schaefer tragically died from her injuries on Friday, September 26.
Police said the dog had no prior history of aggression and later tested negative for rabies. No criminal charges are expected.
This is the latest in a series of deadly dog attacks across Alabama this year. In July, a 7-year-old boy and a 50-year-old woman were killed in separate incidents just two days apart. Earlier in the year, a 6-month-old girl in Alabaster and a 46-year-old woman in Tuscaloosa County also lost their lives in brutal dog attacks.
“… Authorities say the dog’s caretaker, who was watching the animal for a jailed friend… .”
Alabammie!!
Now we know who the players were.
What kind of dog?
A Shih Tzu