A 15-year-old girl, Makayla Fortner, was killed by a pack of about 30 stray dogs in a fenced area of a private property where she was rendering aid to an animal rescue center.
According to reports from neighbors, numerous alarms had already been raised to local authorities, but they went unheeded due to the absence of an animal control service in the area.
The Saline County Sheriff’s Office reported receiving a 911 call around 12:15 p.m. Wednesday. Upon arrival, responders found the young woman already lifeless. “The reason for the sudden and tragic attack is currently unknown,” authorities said.
Fourteen dogs were seized and subsequently put down by local veterinarians. Law enforcement officials have launched an investigation to reconstruct the dynamics and ascertain responsibility for the tragic incident.
Makayla was remembered through a fundraiser on GoFundMe as “a beautiful and brilliant girl with a noble and kind soul.”
“It’s one of those horrible situations,” said Matt Thibault, spokesman for the city of Benton. “The center started out with the best of intentions, but it turned into a nightmare for everyone involved.”
Neighbors, interviewed by local media, believe the tragedy could have been avoided. “If someone had acted in time, maybe this girl would still be alive today,” they said.
