Tragic Dog Attack Claims Life of 15-Year-Old Girl in Arkansas

A devastating incident occurred in Alexander, Arkansas, where 15-year-old Makayla Fortner lost her life in a brutal dog attack. According to authorities, she was mauled by several dogs in an enclosed area at a residence that housed approximately 30 rescue animals. The Saline County Sheriff's Office was alerted to the situation shortly after noon on Wednesday, but by the time deputies arrived, Fortner had already succumbed to her injuries.

Officials noted that Makayla had been actively involved in caring for the dogs on the property as well as seeking permanent homes for them. In collaboration with Benton Animal Services, law enforcement seized several dogs of various breeds, including pit bulls, pit bull mixes, and hounds, following the attack. Reports indicate that a total of 14 dogs were euthanized in the aftermath of the horrifying event.

Investigators are currently probing the case to understand the sequence of events that led to the tragic attack. Witness reports suggest that Makayla was in the process of feeding the dogs when the incident occurred. One witness described seeing a deputy discharge his firearm in an attempt to clear the area as he approached the scene.

In the wake of this tragedy, a GoFundMe campaign has been established by a friend of Fortner's mother to assist with funeral costs. The organizer expressed profound sadness over the loss, highlighting Fortner's kind nature and potential. Just days prior to the attack, her mother had shared on social media about their involvement in caring for a large number of puppies, indicating ongoing issues of dog overpopulation in their community.

Local residents have previously raised concerns regarding the dogs' aggressive behavior, stating that it posed a risk to children in the neighborhood. One neighbor expressed regret that more was not done to address the situation, suggesting that intervention might have prevented this heartbreaking incident.