Incident overview
An elderly woman in Livingston Parish, Louisiana, was severely injured after being attacked by her neighbor’s dogs when she fell in her driveway. Witnesses described the horrifying scene as the dogs “partially eating” her, sparking alarm among residents who claim this is not the first such incident in their neighborhood.
Witness accounts
Neighbor Randall Averette, who witnessed the attack, detailed the gruesome scene: “When I went over there, she was laying on the ground, paramedics bandaging her up. The paramedics said she was torn up pretty good around her calf, her right leg was bit, her arm was bit and the dog bit her on the back of her neck.”
Cheryl Boudreaux, the daughter of another witness, shared how her mother frantically called for help as the dogs set upon the woman. “She was like, ‘Y’all need to hurry up and get here. Hurry up and get here. They are eating this woman,’” Boudreaux recounted. “Then, Mama said the lady wasn’t moving and Mama thought she was dead.”
Law enforcement response
Livingston Parish Sheriff Jason Ard confirmed that the victim was rushed to the hospital for treatment. Following the incident, Maria Vincent, the owner of the dogs, was arrested and charged with negligent injury and allowing her dogs to roam at large.
Sheriff Ard issued a stern reminder to pet owners: “You can be charged with negligent injuring and you can be sued by these homeowners for medical bills. It’s going to come back to bite you, that’s what’s going to happen.” Ard highlighted Vincent’s previous infractions related to her dogs, noting prior complaints and fines. “She’s been through the system already, she’s been fined. Here we are again, same dog, same situation. Now someone’s seriously hurt, something has got to change,” Ard said.
Community reactions and safety concerns
Residents in the Denham Springs neighborhood expressed outrage over the attack and shared concerns for their safety. Cheryl Boudreaux revealed that her 85-year-old mother had also been attacked by the same dogs in the past, requiring medical attention on both occasions. “We’re just furious, you know, because we don’t understand why it had to get to this. They finally took the dogs away; that’s the first time,” she said.
The three dogs involved were taken to the Livingston Parish Animal Control Center after Vincent willingly surrendered them. Their fate remains uncertain as officials continue their investigation. Sheriff Ard emphasized the importance of public awareness on handling aggressive dogs, urging residents to take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their property: “You have a right to protect you, your property, your kids.”
This incident underscores ongoing concerns about aggressive pets and owners’ responsibilities. While rare, severe dog attacks can have life-altering consequences. This latest case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of stricter measures and vigilance to prevent future tragedies.
