Elderly Woman Dies After Cane Corso Attack in East Alabama
A tragic incident in a rural East Alabama community has left a family and neighborhood in mourning. Patricia Marie Burt, a 78-year-old woman, passed away this week after being brutally attacked by her neighbor’s two Cane Corso dogs. The attack occurred in her neighbor’s yard as the two women embraced in a friendly hug, a horrifying turn of events that underscores the potential dangers of certain dog breeds and the importance of responsible pet ownership.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that deputies responded to a call regarding a dog attack in the Valley community, southeast of Beulah, on Monday afternoon. Upon arrival, they discovered a scene of chaos and desperation, with several individuals desperately trying to aid Mrs. Burt, who had suffered severe injuries from the mauling.
Initial reports indicate that Mrs. Burt had walked next door to visit her neighbor, a common and friendly gesture in the close-knit rural community. The neighbor’s son also resided at the home. As the two women greeted each other with a hug, the two Cane Corso dogs, who lived at the residence, unexpectedly and violently attacked Mrs. Burt. The suddenness and ferocity of the attack left both women, and ultimately the entire neighborhood, in shock.
Family members and neighbors immediately sprang into action, attempting to pull the dogs away from Mrs. Burt. However, the dogs, driven by instinct or some unknown trigger, were relentless in their attack. Despite their best efforts, the bystanders were unable to subdue the animals and free Mrs. Burt from their grasp. In a desperate and heartbreaking act to save his wife’s life, Thomas Burt, Mrs. Burt’s husband, resorted to using a firearm to shoot both dogs. Only after being shot did the dogs release their hold on the elderly woman.
Following the attack, emergency medical services were promptly called to the scene. Mrs. Burt was transported by ambulance to Piedmont Medical Center in Columbus, Georgia, where she received immediate medical attention. Tragically, despite the efforts of the medical staff, the severity of her injuries proved too much to overcome. Mrs. Burt succumbed to her injuries and passed away the following day, leaving behind a grieving husband, family, and community.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that both Cane Corso dogs died as a result of the gunshot wounds. The community is now grappling with the aftermath of this devastating event, trying to understand how a simple act of neighborly affection could lead to such a tragic outcome.
Thomas Burt, the victim’s husband, spoke to WRBL-TV, expressing his profound grief and love for his late wife. His words painted a picture of a devoted couple who cherished each other’s company. "She was a good person. She was my friend, my best buddy," he said. "We spent every waking minute together. I loved her so much." His heart wrenching statement underscores the deep personal loss experienced by those closest to Mrs. Burt.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office has stated that the case remains under active investigation. The findings of the investigation will be presented to a Lee County Grand Jury for further review, which will likely determine whether any criminal charges will be filed in connection with the incident. The grand jury will consider all available evidence, including witness statements, forensic reports, and the circumstances surrounding the attack, to reach a decision.
The incident raises several questions about dog ownership and public safety. Cane Corsos are a large and powerful breed, originally bred for guarding and protection. While they can be loyal and affectionate companions with proper training and socialization, they also possess the potential for aggression if not handled responsibly. The debate over breed-specific legislation, which restricts or bans certain breeds deemed inherently dangerous, is likely to be reignited in light of this tragedy.
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with dog ownership, particularly with powerful breeds. Responsible pet ownership includes proper training, socialization, secure containment, and awareness of a dog’s temperament and potential triggers. It also highlights the importance of educating the public about dog safety and how to respond in the event of an attack.
The community in East Alabama is now mourning the loss of Patricia Marie Burt, a beloved neighbor and friend. As the investigation continues and the grand jury deliberates, the focus remains on supporting the Burt family and ensuring that lessons are learned from this tragedy to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. The memory of Mrs. Burt and the circumstances surrounding her death will undoubtedly prompt a renewed discussion about responsible dog ownership, public safety, and the need for heightened awareness regarding the potential dangers of certain dog breeds.
