A 50-year-old woman died after an alleged attack by two pit bulls while she was walking her dog near her home in Florida, authorities and witnesses said.
The incident happened near Cocoa in the state of Florida on May 19, according to the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Animal Services unit.
Attack happened during early morning walk
Authorities said Jodi Cowan was walking her dog when the attack occurred in the early hours of the morning.
Her partner, Donnell Smith, said he returned home around 1 a.m. and could not find her.
He later heard cries for help and saw two dogs dragging a person along the road, he told local media.
Partner describes desperate attempt to help
Smith said he rushed to the scene and found Cowan severely injured.
He tried to stop the bleeding and called emergency services.
However, Cowan was airlifted to hospital and later died from her injuries.
Community says dogs had history of incidents
Neighbours told reporters the dogs had previously caused concern in the area.
One neighbour said surveillance footage captured the attack and had been handed to police.
In addition, residents claimed the dogs had previously escaped and bitten another person and frightened people nearby.
Local authorities have not released further details about the dogs’ ownership or potential charges.
Meanwhile, animal services are reviewing prior complaints related to the animals.
Officials are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the attack.
