A Southeast Alabama woman, Sheila Pate, is recovering from serious injuries after being attacked by three pit bulls while walking to work on March 12. Her family claims the attack could have been prevented if local law enforcement had acted on an earlier 911 call about the loose dogs.
The Mauling Incident
Sheila Pate was approached by three aggressive pit bulls on the morning of March 12. The situation quickly escalated, leaving Pate with severe bite wounds across her body. She described the experience as life-threatening, saying, “I seriously thought I was fixing to die. I said, ‘God, please get these dogs off of me. They’re going to kill me.’”
Missed Opportunity for Action
The investigation into the attack has focused on the timing of the police response. Pate’s son, Kenneth, revealed that a neighbor had called the Geneva Police Department earlier that day to report the aggressive dogs roaming the neighborhood.
Geneva Police Chief Pepper Mock confirmed that officers initially responded but left the scene before securing the dogs, instead redirecting their efforts to storm cleanup in the area.
By the time animal control was called to remove the dogs, it was too late, and Pate had already been attacked.
Investigative Status and Legal Responsibility
The Geneva Police Department is currently investigating the incident to see if the dog owners will face criminal charges. Under Alabama law, dog owners can be held accountable for injuries caused by their pets, especially if the dogs have a history of aggression or if the owners allowed them to roam freely, violating local leash laws.
“The owners should be held accountable,” Pate stated. “The city should be held accountable. That’s just plain and simple.”
Pate’s Recovery and Financial Strain
The attack has left Sheila Pate with severe injuries, and she is unable to return to work for the time being. To help cover her medical bills, Pate’s family has set up a GoFundMe campaign. The family has highlighted the growing financial burden of Pate’s medical expenses as one of the most challenging aspects of her recovery.
Public Safety Concerns
The incident has raised concerns locally about the prioritization of public safety calls during times of emergency management. Many have questioned whether storm cleanup efforts should have taken precedence over a clear public safety risk, such as loose aggressive dogs.
