A Southeast Alabama woman is recovering from severe injuries after being mauled by three pit bulls while walking to work last Thursday—an attack her family claims could have been prevented if local law enforcement had prioritized an earlier 911 call regarding the loose animals.
Sheila Pate was intercepted by the dogs on the morning of March 12. The encounter quickly turned life-threatening, leaving Pate with extensive bite wounds across her body and a mounting pile of medical expenses.
“I seriously thought I was fixing to die,” Pate told local reporters. “I said, ‘God, please get these dogs off of me. They’re going to kill me.’”
A Missed Opportunity for Intervention
The investigation into the mauling has shifted focus toward the timing of the police response. According to Pate’s son, Kenneth, a neighbor had contacted the Geneva Police Department earlier that morning to report the aggressive dogs roaming the neighborhood.
Geneva Police Chief Pepper Mock confirmed that officers initially responded to the scene following that first report. However, the officers reportedly abandoned the call before the dogs were secured, redirecting their efforts toward storm cleanup in the area.
By the time animal control was summoned to remove the animals, Pate had already been attacked.
Investigative Status and Potential Liability
The Geneva Police Department is currently investigating the incident to determine if the owners will face criminal charges. Under Alabama law, dog owners can be held liable for injuries caused by their animals, particularly if there is a documented history of aggression or if the animals were allowed to roam in violation of local leash ordinances.
“The owners should be held accountable,” Pate said. “The city should be held accountable. That’s just plain and simple.”
Long Road to Recovery
Pate’s family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to assist with the financial fallout of the attack. Due to the severity of her injuries, she is currently unable to return to work, and the family cites “piling” medical bills as a significant burden.
The incident has sparked a local debate regarding the prioritization of public safety calls over municipal maintenance during weather events.
