Two pit bulls attacked and killed an elderly woman inside her Kaufman, Texas, home. Authorities said 85-year-old Dorothy Hamilton’s mauled body was found on the floor her living room Monday morning. Both dogs were standing next to the woman’s body when police entered the home.
Although the cause of death is being investigated, authorities said the condition of Hamilton’s body suggests a vicious attack. A representative with the Kaufman County Sheriff’s Department said the dogs belong to the victim’s son.
In addition to the two dogs inside the home, authorities discovered six more pit bulls in the victim’s back yard. Relatives said the two pit bulls were locked inside a bedroom, as the victim was afraid of the dogs. However, authorities determined the pit bulls broke through the door to attack the elderly woman.
Neighbor Emma Glenn said the dogs were a nuisance:
“One of those pit bulls charged all the way down the road… at me and my dog… about two years ago… It was very frightening.”
As reported by My Fox DFW , authorities described the dogs as “large and very aggressive.” All eight dogs were seized and transported to a county facility, where they are currently being quarantined. Authorities said charges were not filed in the attack. However, if the dogs are found to be responsible for the attack, they may be euthanized.
The term “pit bull” is used generically to describe a variety of breeds, including American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Bull Terriers, and Staffordshire Bull Terriers. In general, pit bulls were bred to combine athleticism, endurance, and strength.
Pit bulls have gained a bad reputation, as they are often used by illegal dog fighting rings. Although some pit bulls are raised and trained to be aggressive, with they right care they can be good pets.
Any dog can become aggressive if they are not properly socialized. As discussed by PetFinder “Unless a Pit Bull has been poorly bred or purposefully trained to attack humans, they generally love people. They are, in fact, one of the most loving, loyal, friendly and dedicated companions you can have.”
Socialization, beginning at an early age, is important to ensure the safety of all dogs, their owners, and other pets in the home.
It is unclear whether the pit bulls that killed the elderly Texas woman were trained to be aggressive. However, authorities said the two dogs inside the home were locked the bedroom “for several months.”
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