Following a deadly dog attack that claimed the life of a 15-year-old girl in Saline County, officials are now shedding light on what led to the tragedy.
ALEXANDER, Ark. — An investigation is currently underway after a teenager in Saline County was tragically killed by a pack of dogs earlier in the week.
According to officials, the teen was mauled to death by a pack of dogs on Wednesday afternoon.
Since the incident, investigators have been working to determine what led up to the deadly attack. However, early findings suggest that it began with well-meaning intentions that sadly spiraled out of control.
“The best of intentions has turned into everybody’s worst nightmare,” said Matt Thibault, a spokesperson for the City of Benton. “The people who wanted to take in these dogs and wanted to do the right thing got overwhelmed and couldn’t do what needed to be done, and these animals lashed out in a very violent manner.
Thibault said that Benton Animal Services has stepped in because Saline County does not have an animal control agency.
“There is not a Saline County Animal Services or animal shelter or anything of that nature,” Thibault said. “So this is not out of the ordinary for the City of Benton’s Animal Services to come and assist,”
More than a dozen dogs were removed from the property where the teen was attacked.
“Our Animal Services Division took 14 dogs from the premises and escorted and brought them back to our facility, where, by court order, we euthanized them and put them down,” Thibault confirmed.
However, questions still remain about the condition and care of the dogs leading up to the attack.
“From what just residents and reports that I’ve seen, no, this was not a registered shelter or a rehab facility or anything like that,” he said.
The dogs were described as mostly pit-bull mixes, with some hound-type breeds.
The 15-year-old victim was a student and athlete in the Bryant School District, and in response to the tragic news of her passing, her school’s soccer team released the following statement:
“This week, we lost one of our own. Many knew [her] as a classmate, a friend, and a teammate. She was part of our family. A kind, caring, hardworking, and passionate girl. She will be greatly missed. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family and all who knew and loved her. To support her family during this difficult time, a GoFundMe has been created. If you’re willing and able, please consider supporting her family during this difficult time.”
Meanwhile, the City of Benton echoed that sentiment.
“Our condolences go out to the family and we hope that they can recover from this and move past this. You know, it’s an absolute tragedy, but I think it’s an absolute tragedy on both sides,” they said.
The City of Benton is now working with the Saline County Sheriff’s Office as the investigation continues.
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