She simply wanted to have a coffee before starting her workday. Her morning, however, took an unexpected turn: a professional woman in Padua was attacked by an Amstaff (a medium-to-large, short-haired dog) while sitting in the outdoor seating area of ​​the café "Pollini Due," located in the heart of the historic center of the city. The incident occurred around 9:30 a.m. on Monday, October 12. The woman had stopped by the café—situated at the corner of Riviera dei Ponti Romani and Via Cesare Battisti—for her usual breakfast before heading up to her office. Suddenly, she was set upon by the powerful American Staffordshire Terrier, which lunged at her head, taking advantage of a momentary lapse in attention by the dog sitter who was walking it. The dog bit the woman, tearing out hair and injuring her scalp—all in front of a group of terrified university students (the café is just steps away from "Il Bo," the main building of the University of Padua). Upon witnessing the attack, the students began to scream, alerting those nearby.

The Complaint

After a few moments, the Amstaff released its grip. Bleeding, the woman was comforted by bystanders and then taken to the emergency room, where she received medical treatment and was discharged with a seven-day recovery prognosis. Before leaving, she filed a formal complaint with the assistance of the medical staff who treated her. She also provided further details: the owner of the dog that attacked her reportedly works in the same building where she has her professional office. She noted that, on a previous occasion, the dog had already "targeted" her in the building's entrance hall, though at that time it had only growled. Furthermore, according to the woman’s account, the Amstaff had attacked other dogs in the past; to make matters worse, the dog sitter who was "looking after" it took advantage of the post-attack chaos to slip away, claiming that the American Staffordshire Terrier "just wanted to play."

Article link: https://corrieredelveneto.corriere.it/notizie/padova/cronaca/26_ottobre_14/padova-azzannata-alla-testa-da-un-cane-amstaff-mentre-beve-il-caffe-al-tavolino-del-bar-e49f8ebf-d92f-4d5a-a723-9ab8d7122xlk.shtml

A 37-year-old man is fighting for life after being mauled and dragged off a bike track by two loose pit bulls near Westfield Chermside in Brisbane's north just after 6pm on Friday. Police launched a major operation using a helicopter and loudspeakers to warn residents to stay indoors, successfully capturing one dog around 8pm while the second pit bull remains at large.

L’AQUILA – The civil parties have requested compensation totaling nearly 800,000 euros following the death of 74-year-old Margherita Villante, who was mauled by a pit bull on July 16, 2024, and subsequently passed away at the hospital in L’Aquila on February 27 of last year. The owner of the dog—which had escaped her supervision—73-year-old Nicolina Perilli (also a resident of L’Aquila), reached a plea bargain for a one-year prison sentence, with the benefit of a suspended sentence; she was represented by defense attorneys Paolo Vecchioli and Massimiliano Nardecchia. According to Donatella Boccabella, the lawyer representing the civil parties, the hearing is expected to take place in February of next year, though official confirmation from the court is still pending.

During her eight-month hospitalization, the 74-year-old underwent the partial amputation of both arms and was awaiting the fitting of prostheses. However, complications caused her clinical condition to deteriorate rapidly, leading to her death in the intensive care unit, where she had been admitted in the immediate aftermath of the dog attack.

The autopsy—considered a decisive piece of evidence from the outset—linked her death to the dog attack, despite the time that had elapsed. A request by the defense for an expert assessment, which sought to attribute the woman’s death to other causes, proved unsuccessful.

The five-year-old dog had escaped its owner’s control after slipping through a door that had been left open inadvertently by a young woman who had arrived for a private mathematics lesson. The escape went unnoticed by the two women with the dog, which in the meantime had reached the neighboring house—located in the hamlet of Sant’Elia—where an elderly woman and her sister were staying; when they opened the door, they were attacked by the pit bull. Only after some time did the dog’s owner, hearing the screams, come outside; in an attempt to stop the animal, she too was injured and subsequently required medical treatment. The matter will now go to court regarding civil damages.

Article link: https://www.abruzzoweb.it/laquila-donna-sbranata-e-uccisa-dal-pitbull-chiesti-danni-per-800-mila-euro-udienza-a-febbraio-2027/

Breed not confirmed. I guess we will see.

See mod comment for breed confirmation. It’s also in the video linked in the article below ⬇️

https://www.wfla.com/news/pasco-county/woman-hospitalized-with-life-threatening-injuries-after-dog-attack-in-port-richey/amp/

PORT RICHEY, Fla. (WFLA) — A woman was taken to the hospital after being attacked by a dog in Port Richey on Friday.

According to the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, around 2:12 p.m., deputies responded to a call regarding an animal bite in the Sandstone Lane area.

Preliminary information indicates a woman was attacked by a dog and taken to a hospital with life threatening injuries, the sheriff’s office reported.

Only 8 On Your Side was on scene as the dog believed to be responsible for the attack was taken out of the home and into the custody of animal services.
Crew on scene also saw another woman at the home with a bloody bandage wrapped around her leg. Neighbors tell 8 On Your Side that she is the victim’s daughter.

Animal services said they will hold the dog until the sheriff’s office finishes its investigation. Animal services will then conduct a “dangerous dog investigation” to determine the fate of the animal.

The incident took place near a bar late on the evening of October 13. Both dogs were on leashes when the sudden attack occurred. The large dog eventually released its grip, and the small dog was rescued and taken to a veterinarian. The Red Cross and the police arrived at the scene.

Moments of terror unfolded on Viale Dante late on the evening of October 13. A pit bull mauled a small white dog and then fled with its prey in its mouth. Both animals were being held on leashes by their respective owners when the sudden attack took place near a bar. Both the owners and several patrons attempted to stop the large dog, but to no avail. Only after a few minutes did the large dog let go; the small dog was immediately attended to by its owner, who, in turn, suffered a medical episode and was examined by Red Cross personnel. Police officers are currently reconstructing the events and gathering accounts from witnesses.

Article link: https://www.ilpiacenza.it/cronaca/pitbull-azzanna-un-piccolo-cane-in-un-bar-e-scappa-con-la-preda-in-bocca-paura-in-via-dante.html

This came across my feed. The owner put down the dog immediately and warned others against getting pits. Of course the comments are blaming him.

i don’t know if she’s still active in the community, but she has posted in here previously about her daughter’s attack.

What's infuriating is that these pits have attacked before and they were simply returned to their owners to do it again. Glad there was an adult there to save the child at least.

Currently trying to get and update to see if the dogs were found and handled appropriately this time.

Summary:

Dogs impounded after attacks

Bull breeds made up up to about 56% of dogs impounded after attacks (389 of "more than 700"): pit bull terriers about 23%,
Staffordshire bull terriers about 21%,
American Staffordshire terriers about 12%

Roaming Dogs

Bull breeds were about 72% of the top four breeds picked up for roaming (1,989 of 2,749): Staffordshire bull terriers 1,203 (about 44%) and pit bull terriers 786 (about 29%), ahead of Shar Peis 382 and Labradors 378.

Article here:

Dog attacks across Auckland have fallen for the first time in six years, but the number of children being mauled continues to rise.

The latest council figures reveal nearly 300 dogs were put down after attacks or rushing incidents, while thousands of owners were fined for failing to control their pets.

Auckland Council’s Animal Management Annual Report shows 246 children aged 15 and under were attacked by dogs during the 2025/26 financial year, up nearly 8% on the previous year.

Regulatory and Safety Committee chairwoman Josephine Bartley said the figures represented real harm to Auckland families.

“Behind those numbers are some horrific injuries, many of them on children that will leave lifelong scars.”

She said animal management officers faced an uphill battle unless more owners took responsibility for their dogs.

Dog attacks fall for first time in six years

The rise in attacks on children comes despite improvement across the city, with reported dog attacks falling for the first time since 2019/20.
Council officers investigated 2722 attacks, down 5% from the previous year.

Of those, 1222 involved people and 1500 involved other animals.

Attacks on adults fell by more than 12%, while those involving children increased.

The report also said 255 dogs were put down after attacks, compared with 290.

Another 35 were euthanised after rushing at people or animals.

More than 700 dogs were seized and taken to council shelters after attacks, while officers responded to nearly 3500 reports of aggressive behaviour, a 10% drop on the previous year.

Pit bull terriers were the most commonly impounded breed after attacks, with 161 taken to shelters.

The number of Staffordshire bull terriers impounded after attacks rose from 105 to 146, while American Staffordshire terriers increased from 46 to 82.

Henderson-Massey overtook Manurewa as the Auckland local board area with the most reported dog attacks, recording 297 incidents over the year.
That was an 18% increase from the year before, when 251 were reported in the area.
Meanwhile, the number in Manurewa dropped from 308 to 268 attacks.

Recent Herald reporting revealed a Mt Albert mother was considering moving her family after three frightening dog encounters in less than a month, including one that left her teenage son with puncture wounds.

In another incident, 83-year-old Mike Smith was left with deep bites and scratches after being attacked by two dogs tethered to a chair while walking in Huapai, West Auckland.

Smith, who faced a long recovery, said he felt “lucky to be alive” after the attack.

The report also revealed a significant reduction in complaints about roaming dogs, with Auckland Council receiving 12,592 reports, down nearly 25% from 16,739 the previous year.

Requests for officers to collect stray dogs that members of the public had caught or contained also dropped from 5223 to 4090.

Reports of roaming dogs and requests to collect strays made up more than 60% of all calls for help received by the council’s animal management team.
The number of dogs taken to shelters after being found on private property without permission increased from 97 to 109.

Staffordshire bull terriers were the most common breed picked up for roaming, with 1203 dogs, down from 1767 a year earlier.

Pit bull terriers followed with 786, down from 1288, while Shar Peis accounted for 382 and Labrador retrievers 378.

The council also responded to 537 reports of wandering farm animals on public roads and motorways, down from 710 the previous year.

Meanwhile, thousands more fines were issued to dog owners who failed to keep their animals under control.

Fines for failing to control a dog jumped nearly 69%, from 2064 to 3486.

Another 967 fines were issued to owners who failed to keep their dogs properly secured or contained, more than double the 373 issued the year prior.

Failed out of service training for temperament. In the comments, owner admits it is not good with small animals or children. Ticking time bomb.

This article is about dog bites in general however San Antonio has had several high profile pit bull attacks and this covers the pit bull mauling death of Ramon Najera. We also know what breeds are responsible for more severe and fatal maulings.

Article

Cases of dog bites are increasing in San Antonio, with a growing share of incidents classified as severe.  

San Antonio news: Selfies with inmates, Poll shows Dems leading, Terry Black’s Barbecue
Dog bites have long been recognized by officials as a public health concern. An Express-News analysis of San Antonio Animal Care Services data shows that, in the last five years, reports of the most serious bites have risen much faster than bite reports overall.

Animal Care Services recorded 2,696 bites in 2020, including 134 classified as severe. By 2025, the agency recorded 3,149 bites, 511 of which were classified as severe. That represents an increase of roughly 281% in severe recorded bites, compared with a 17% increase in recorded bites overall.

Severe dog bites make up a growing share of San Antonio cases

San Antonio’s reported dog bites have remained roughly steady over the past six years, but the number classified as “severe” has increased more than those classified as “mild” or “moderate.”

"Unfounded” bite cases, in which evidence of an attack was inconclusive, made up less than 1% of all reported bite reports and are not shown.
Chart: Wesley RatkoSource: City of San Antonio | Animal Control Services

The overall severity mix also shifted. Mild bites made up about 65% of records in 2020 but 56% in 2025. Moderate bites declined from 24% to about 23%, while severe bites increased from about 5% to more than 16%.

A bite is considered severe when it results in a deep, wide or disfiguring wound; exposes fatty tissue; breaks bones; requires multiple staples, stitches or cosmetic surgery; or results in death. A bite involving a child younger than 10 also may be classified as severe when the child suffers a moderate wound to the head.

Bite classification standards and examples were formally adopted by the city in December 2024 as part of an effort to ensure standardization of its records. But the change in standards does not entirely explain the increase in the number of severe cases, which began well before the end of 2024.

Every year, stories of aggressive or dangerous dogs make the news. The February 2023 mauling death of 81-year-old Ramon Najera resulted in criminal charges against the owner of the dogs that attacked him and prompted city officials to step up enforcement.

Since then, Animal Care Services has issued criminal citations to dog owners whose unrestrained pets leave their property and bite someone. Attacking dogs are quarantined for 10 days and monitored for rabies.

Of the 1,620 severe bite records from 2020 through 2025, 77% listed quarantine or isolation as the dog’s outcome. The records also listed 106 cases in which a stray was not found, seven in which the dog could not be captured, and 86 in which the dog was killed and its remains sent for rabies testing. Animal Care Services, San Antonio’s local rabies-control authority, said it sends the animal’s head to a laboratory, where brain tissue is tested.

Jonathan Gary, director of San Antonio Animal Care Services, said Mr. Najera’s death raised awareness about the importance of reporting bites to the city. He said historically bites by family pets often go unreported because owners fear what could happen to their dogs. 

The December 2024 update to bite-classification standards likely also contributed to the rise in records classified as severe, Gary added.

He said he asked staff to examine bite records more closely to identify ways to prevent bites. Additionally, Gary said the city’s Pet Care Connect program, which provides free spay and neuter services for pets, is focused on neighborhoods with high numbers of calls about free-roaming dogs.

“We’re trying to prevent bites before they happen,” Gary said.

Isliana Norwood, president of Alamo City Pit Bull Rescue, said she sees the increase in severe bites as a trickle-down result of an increase in adoptions during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“We saw a huge rise in people adding companion animals to their home during this time in a bubble, where everybody was spending more time at home,” Norwood said. She said this led to owners raising dogs that aren’t used to the presence of other people, only to have that change suddenly once the pandemic isolation ceased and things opened up again. 
Norwood said preventing bites also depends on owners understanding their dogs’ limits and setting boundaries.

“It is our responsibility as a dog owner to keep our dog safe, but to also keep the public safe,” Norwood said. “The best way that people can do that is by truly knowing their dog and not putting it into situations where they don’t know the outcome without also putting boundaries or management in place.”

https://www.expressnews.com/news/article/san-antonio-severe-dog-bites-data-22418386.php

I have a puppy who will be 20 lbs or less full grown. This one especially makes me sick.

Another person victimized while just walking! The GoFundMe was posted on October 12, 2026. Location Texas, the victim was taken to a trauma center in Houston.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-cassie-recover-from-dog-attack-injuries

"Both bit bulls attacked an adult Labrador retriever. Larger pit bull latched on to head of the lab and would not let go. Owner was fighting for his dogs life and got bit by the pit bull in the process."

"The same man and pit bulls were on the same busy corner the next day, while the lab is fighting for his life with thousands of dollars in vet bills. No recourse."

A woman is hospitalized in the ICU after being bitten by a family member's Pit Bull dog.

Relatives reported that the animal "did not recognize" the woman when they were alone at the home. Her granddaughter's partner found her lying on the floor with heavy bleeding.

A woman is in critical condition after being attacked by a Pit Bull dog. The animal lives in the same house as the victim; they were alone, and according to relatives' statements to the Police, the dog "did not recognize" her, attacked her, and left her badly injured.

At the time, the 71-year-old woman was alone with the canine. She was found several hours later by her granddaughter's partner, who is the owner of the dog.

According to reports from the Salto Police Headquarters, the incident was reported around 02:00 on the morning of this past Sunday, but it is believed to have occurred several hours earlier.
Police personnel responded to Diego Lamas street at number 2600, in the East Zone of the city of Salto, because there was a person fallen inside a property with heavy bleeding and severe injuries.

Upon arrival, the Police spoke with a 21-year-old man, the granddaughter's partner, who stated that he found the 71-year-old woman lying on the floor, face up, with heavy bleeding and significant injuries to both legs.

Medical Assistance and Diagnosis

The Salto Police called a medical emergency unit, while officers performed first aid to stop the bleeding of the injured woman.

Meanwhile, the 21-year-old man told the police that he had last been with the victim at approximately 12:30, but upon returning to the home hours later, he found her in that condition, covering her up and locking away the Pit Bull dog.

Assisted by an emergency medical unit at the scene, the woman was diagnosed with "multiple canine bite wounds, with an open fracture," and was transferred to the Salto Regional Hospital.

She was admitted to the ICU and underwent surgery this Monday, as she remains in critical condition, health sources told El País.

The on-duty prosecutor's office in Salto was informed of the case, and the local police department's Directorate of Investigations is handling the matter.

Someone in the comments says it's genocide, LOL, that's a new one.

IMPD says James Smith was arrested after he showed back up to the house where the attack happened as officers were investigating.

INDIANAPOLIS — An Indianapolis man is accused of randomly attacking a man and child outside a home, throwing a brick at the child and then releasing his pit bull to attack.

James Smith, 52, is charged with:

- Battery resulting in injury to a person younger than 14 by an adult (Level 5 felony)
- Possession of cocaine (Level 5 felony)
- Criminal recklessness with a deadly weapon (Level 6 felony)
- Operating a vehicle while intoxicated with a prior conviction (Level 6 felony)
- Battery resulting in bodily injury (Class A misdemeanor)
- Two counts of dog bite liability causing bodily injury (Class C misdemeanors)

The incident happened Oct. 5 at a home on Parkview Avenue, near Washington Street and State Avenue on Indianapolis' near east side. IMPD officers were called to the residence on a report of a fight.

According to court documents, Smith pulled up to the home while a man and his 13-year-old son were outside playing. The man told officers an unknown man, later identified as Smith, began honking his horn and yelling before getting out of his car, picking up a brick and throwing it.

The brick struck the boy in the abdomen, court documents state.

"Throwing a brick at somebody in and of itself is dangerous," IMPD Officer Drew Brown said. "It's a deadly weapon. When you do that against somebody who's under the age of 14, especially that's much more serious in the eyes of the law."

Investigators said a fight then broke out between the two men.

According to court documents, Smith later returned to his car and intentionally released his pit bull, which attacked the father and son. Officers documented bleeding and bite wounds on the boy's abdomen.
The father also suffered a dog bite to his leg, as well as bruises and cuts from the fight.

"The allegations that he let his dogs out to intentionally bite somebody is disturbing and completely uncalled for," Brown said. "You are responsible for your pet's actions at all times."
While officers were still gathering information, Smith allegedly drove back to the scene and was taken into custody, according to court documents.

Police reported Smith showed signs of intoxication, including a strong odor of alcohol on his breath, slurred speech, bloodshot eyes and poor balance.
According to court documents, Smith became agitated and resisted officers, telling them, "Y'all gonna have to kill me."

Animal control officers took custody of the pit bull, court documents state.

"We're thankful that nobody was more seriously injured, but this was entirely preventable," Brown said.

Smith was later taken to a hospital for a blood draw, where he became combative with medical staff and allegedly said he could "whoop they a**es."
Court documents state officers found a brick and alcoholic beverages in Smith's vehicle. They also allegedly recovered a digital scale and suspected crack cocaine from his person.

Smith was booked into the Marion County Jail, where he is being held on a $32,000 cash bond. His next court hearing is scheduled for December.

POLK COUNTY, Texas — A 35-year-old woman was seriously injured after authorities said she was attacked by four pit bull-type dogs while walking along a roadway in the Quailcrest area near Lake Livingston.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office said the attack happened during the evening hours of Oct. 11. The woman told deputies she tried to back away from the dogs to keep a safe distance when one of them attacked her, causing her to fall. The other three dogs then joined in, displaying what deputies described as pack aggression.

People in a passing vehicle stopped and scared the dogs away, ending the attack. The woman asked them to take her to a hospital, but they left the scene. She then walked to a nearby home, where a neighbor helped her and emergency services were called.
Deputy Anderson Walker was the first deputy to arrive. The sheriff’s office said he provided medical aid to control her bleeding and protect her from the elements. After determining she needed immediate hospital care, he drove her to Livingston CHI St. Luke’s Health. Because of the severity of her injuries, she was later flown by Life Flight to a hospital in Harris County for additional treatment.

After taking the woman to the hospital, Deputy Walker returned to the area and identified the dogs’ owner. The owner received citations for failing to vaccinate the animals and allowing them to roam at large. The dogs were secured until Animal Control arrived.

Deputies and Animal Control personnel removed the dogs from the area and took them to the Polk County Animal Control Facility. The animals were placed under the required 10-day quarantine for rabies observation.

During that process, Animal Control Officer Krista Lawson was bitten on the hand.

Once the quarantine is complete, the Sheriff’s Office said it will move forward with the process of having the dogs declared dangerous.

***

Update:

A 35-year-old mother of four faces a lengthy recovery after deputies say four dogs attacked her Sunday evening in the Quailcrest Drive area near Lake Livingston.

The woman, who goes by Cassie, is receiving treatment at a Houston hospital. Her father told KPRC 2 she has undergone two surgeries and will need additional procedures, including reconstructive and plastic surgery.

Deputies describe attack

According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Cassie was walking along the roadway Oct. 11 when four dogs described as “pit bull type” approached her.
She tried to back away to maintain a safe distance, but one dog attacked her, causing her to fall. The other three then joined the attack, the sheriff’s office said.

Cassie told investigators that people in a passing vehicle stopped and scared the dogs away. She asked them to take her to a hospital, but they left, according to the sheriff’s office.

She then made her way to a nearby home, where a neighbor helped her and emergency services were notified.

She was subsequently transported by Life Flight to a hospital in Harris County for further treatment.

Owner cited; dogs placed in quarantine

After taking Cassie to the hospital, Walker returned to the neighborhood and identified the dogs’ owner.
The owner received citations for failing to vaccinate the animals and allowing them to roam at large, the sheriff’s office said.

Deputies and animal control personnel removed all four dogs and took them to the Polk County Animal Control Facility. Animal Control Officer Krista Lawson sustained a bite to her hand during the removal process.

The dogs were placed under a required 10-day quarantine for rabies observation. The sheriff’s office said it will begin the process of having them declared dangerous after the quarantine ends.

What a dangerous-dog declaration means

Under Texas law, owners of dangerous dogs must register the animals with animal control, keep them in a secure enclosure or on a leash under a person’s immediate control, and obtain at least $100,000 in liability insurance or demonstrate equivalent financial responsibility.

Owners must also comply with applicable local requirements. Failure to comply can lead to court-ordered seizure and euthanasia, subject to appeal protections. A dangerous-dog declaration alone does not automatically require euthanasia.

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