4 hurt after being attacked by dogs in northwest Charlotte neighborhood

CHARLOTTE — Four people were hurt Wednesday morning after being attacked by seven dogs in northwest Charlotte, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Control and Care said.

The attack occurred in the Claiborne Woods neighborhood off Mount Holly Huntersville Road.

Seven pit bull-type dogs were involved in the incident, according to Animal Control.

Deputies were a block away helping an eviction when they heard a woman scream. The deputies got there and saw dogs surrounding the woman before taking her to the ground.

“It was just an awful scene,” said neighbor Connie Pearson.

Pearson said she was just about to walk her dog when she heard her neighbor scream for help. She saw several young pit bulls pull her neighbor to the ground.

“All I could see was a pile of dogs on top of her,” she said.

The woman’s husband was hurt while he was saving his wife. Neighbors said he got in a tug-of-war with the dogs.

“He was trying to pull her in the house, and they were pulling right back,” the neighbor said.

Witnesses said a man came out with a shovel, and the dogs forced him back inside. Another woman tossed dog food outside to distract them, but the dogs didn’t budge.

Witnesses said the dogs attacked other neighbors too, pulling another woman to the ground.

“You just hear this chaos and there’s nothing you can do,” said witness J.R. Devine.

Another neighborhood resident who witnessed the attack described hearing a victim crying out while pinned down by the pack.

“You could hear her screaming for help,” the resident said. “She was screaming for help, screaming in agony. She was saying it hurts. The dogs had her so covered, so many dogs, they had her down to the ground, and you could not see a human body up under there, but you could hear her screaming.”

Police officers formed a protective line at the scene as animal control officers retrieved the dogs to ensure no remaining animals could attack anyone.

He said a sheriff’s deputy deployed a Taser, which didn’t affect the dog.

A woman, who didn’t want to be identified, said the deputy pulled her gun and fired warning shots. The dogs were not afraid.

The sheriff said his deputy wounded two dogs that ended the attacks, and witnesses said they saved lives.

The county sheriff said Dep. T. Bolton did, in fact, save the woman’s life.

“I am proud of Dep. Bolton for quickly rendering assistance and aid. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim and her family during this difficult time, and I wish her a speedy recovery,” Sheriff Garry McFadden said. “I would also like to commend the community for their support, not only in aiding the victim and her family but also in caring for my deputies.”

“It could have been fatal,” Devine said.

Animal Control seized the dogs, and neighbors didn’t blame them.

“Animals don’t know any better,” Devine said.

The woman was transported to Atrium Health for medical treatment following the attack. At least two other people also sought treatment for their injuries.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg County Animal Care and Control said it seized 7 pit bull-type dogs. One of them was dead and will be tested for rabies. The dog that was Tased was captured alive.

The dogs were not microchipped. Authorities are still trying to find the owner.

Call Charlotte Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600 if you know anything.

This is a developing story. Check back with wsoctv.com and watch Eyewitness News for updates.