Woman dies after family dog mauls her, attacks three others, Boston police say
A Massachusetts woman who “loved animals” died after she was attacked by one of her own dogs, Boston police told news outlets
Officers were called at about 4:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 18, to a dog attack at a home in the city’s Roxbury neighborhood, Chief Deputy Paul McLaughlin told reporters at a news conference.
They found two people — a man and woman — with bite wounds, police said. As officers were rendering aid, police said the same dog came back and charged at them.
One of the officers fired their weapon, injuring the canine, McLaughlin said.
The man and woman were taken to a hospital with life-threatening and severe injuries, respectively, police said.
The woman, identified as 73-year-old Jeriline McGinnis, later died from her injuries, according to police.
“She’s a wonderful person,” Jean McGuire, a revered civil rights leader and longtime friend to McGinnis, told WCVB. “Very generous, very loving person. Loved animals.”
“She’s very close to her animals, almost like children. I think she took good care of them,” McGuire said. “She walked them everyday.”
The dog — described as a pit bull mix — was taken by animal control officials and treated for its injuries, but it was later euthanized “to prevent further suffering,” NBC Boston reported, citing the Boston Parks and Recreation Department.
Three other dogs were also seized from the home and are being cared for, animal control officials told the station.
McGuire, who owns the home McGinnis and her husband were staying in, said the attack happened in the first-floor apartment, WFXT reported. She said McGinnis’ husband suffered severe injuries but is expected to recover.
The two officers were treated for minor injuries, according to authorities.
What to know about dog attacks
Dogs bite more than 4.5 million people each year in the U.S., and nearly 800,000 of those people need medical attention, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Any dog can bite if they feel scared or nervous, or if they want to be alone. You should never approach a dog that seems angry or scared, the CDC said.
If an unfamiliar dog comes up to you, officials say you should:
Stay calm and be still.
Avoid eye contact with the dog.
Don’t panic or make loud noises. Don’t run.
Say “no” or “go home” in a deep voice. Stand with the side of your body toward the dog.
Slowly raise your hands to your neck and back away slowly.
This story was originally published November 20, 2024 at 2:23 PM with the headline "Woman dies after family dog mauls her, attacks three others, Boston police say."