In the early hours of Friday, April 18, 2025, a distressing incident unfolded near Lynchburg in the town of Altavista, when a woman was viciously attacked by a pit bull inside her home, according to WSLS.
The Altavista Police Department responded swiftly to multiple 911 calls reporting a woman screaming and being mauled by a dog.
The Attack
Upon arrival, officers discovered an active dog attack in progress.
Despite attempts to subdue the animal using less-lethal methods such as pepper spray and a taser, the dog continued its assault.
To protect the victim, officers were compelled to use lethal force, fatally shooting the dog. The woman sustained severe injuries to her arms, torso, face, and head. She was promptly transported to a local medical facility for treatment, according to WSET.
Circumstances Leading to the Attack
Preliminary investigations revealed that the victim had let her own dog outside when the pit bull chased her pet into the residence. The intrusion led to a violent confrontation inside the home. The victim’s dog also suffered injuries but is anticipated to recover.
Legal Response
Following the incident, the pit bull was taken by Campbell County Animal Control for rabies testing. The dog’s owner was located, and after consultation with the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office, no criminal charges were filed against the owner. However, civil charges remain a possibility.
Virginia Dog Bite Lawyers
If you or your loved one was bitten or attacked by someone else’s dog in Virginia, our attorneys are here to help.
We have successfully settled dog bite cases throughout the state and have the knowledge, experience, and expertise to help you seek justice. Contact us for a no obligation, free consultation.