US college student killed by pit bulls while pet-sitting
Found dead in a backyard, the incident involved three dogs, one of which was fatally shot by a deputy. The community is in shock as authorities investigate the fatal mauling, raising questions about dog behaviour and owner liability.
New Delhi: A University of Texas at Tyler student, just months away from graduation, has tragically lost her life in a brutal dog attack while pet-sitting three pit bulls at a private residence in Tyler. Madison Riley Hull, 23, was found dead in the backyard on the afternoon of November 21st, leaving her family and community in shock.
According to WFAA, emergency services were alerted to the incident around 4:15 pm. When a Smith County Sheriff's deputy arrived on the scene, three pit bulls reportedly charged towards him. In a desperate attempt to create a safe passage for emergency personnel, the deputy unholstered his service weapon and fired at one of the dogs, killing it. This action caused the remaining two dogs to retreat, allowing the officer to reach Hull, though she succumbed to her injuries a short time later, the New York Post reported.
Madison's mother, Jennifer Hubbell, expressed her profound grief and bewilderment, telling reporters that the dogs "seemed to love her" and that Madison had been caring for them for several weeks. The young student, who was pursuing a bachelor's degree in early childhood education and was set to graduate in just six months, had also been looking after the homeowners' children before pet-sitting the animals.
Believing it "would be an okay situation," Hull went to the home while the owners were out of town to let the dogs back inside when the attack occurred in the backyard. A neighbour, hearing the screams, had promptly called for emergency assistance.
Sergeant Larry Christian, a public information officer with the Smith County Sheriff's Office, detailed the deputy's arrival. "The dogs then diverted their attention. All three of them to him. Started coming toward him, and he unholstered his weapon, service weapon, and he fired at one of the dogs, killing it," Christian said to the press. The two surviving pit bulls were subsequently taken into custody.
Compounding the tragedy, Hull's mother revealed disturbing details of the incident. Madison had recently mentioned a "change in behaviour" in the dogs, despite their previously affectionate demeanour towards her. This new information forms a crucial part of the ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal mauling.
Authorities are now working in conjunction with the Smith County District Attorney's Office to determine whether any charges will be filed against the owners of the dogs. A court hearing has been scheduled for Wednesday to address the future of the two surviving pit bulls.