A 15-year-old girl was fatally attacked by a group of abandoned dogs she was trying to care for. Makayla Fortner and her mother, Stephanie Wilkie, had volunteered to help the animals after discovering they were starving and living in inhumane conditions at a condemned property in Saline City.
Makayla was feeding the pack—estimated at 30 to 40 dogs—when the animals suddenly turned on her. According to KATV, the teen had been trying to find homes for the dogs after noticing they had been left in horrifying conditions. She believed she could help give them a better life. Sadly, that mission ended in the most tragic way possible.
Neighbors Say Warnings Were Ignored Before Teen’s Death
Before the fatal incident, neighbors had repeatedly voiced concerns about the dogs. Local resident Heidi Clay told reporters, “They moved in with a huge amount of dogs and a large amount of broken vehicles. These dogs were very vicious at the fence, to the point that no one wanted to let their children walk to and from the bus stop.”
Residents in the area said the animals often roamed freely, were untrained, and aggressive. Several complaints had reportedly been made to authorities in the months leading up to the attack, but no action was taken in time to prevent the deadly outcome.
Officials Euthanize 14 Dogs After Deadly Attack
Following the tragic death of Makayla Fortner, Benton County officials announced that 14 dogs seized from the property have been euthanized. Only four dogs—those found locked inside the condemned home—remain on the property. It’s unclear whether they will eventually be relocated or put down as well.
