Dogs euthanized after attack on non-Native female in Ross Fork
FORT HALL — Shoshone-Bannock Tribes Fish and Game Department euthanized seven dogs after a reported attack on a 60-year-old non-native female found lying along the road in Ross Fork on October 11.
Fort Hall Police Captain Mark Massey said they responded at about 10:20 p.m. and officers rendered aid on the female who had been mauled by dogs until Fort Hall Fire and EMS arrived. She was alive and responded to EMS when they were treating her wounds. Life Flight met the ambulance at the old casino parking lot where she was taken to Portneuf Medical Center for further treatment.
Hospital officials said Monday she received two units of blood and was in surgery. On October 13 she was flown to the University of Utah Hospital for further treatment and is in the ICU.
Fort Hall Business Council Chairman Devon Boyer said, “We are doing everything possible to make sure this won’t happen again and offer prayers of healing to this lady.” He said the reservation has been an illegal drop off of unwanted animals including horses, cats, emu and others. “We want the outside community to know that we do have an ordinance and will enforce to the fullest to keep our community safe from these types of vicious attacks.”
Concerning a “Vicious Animal Attack” under the Tribes Animal Control Ordinance it is unlawful for any person who owns or has under their immediate care an animal, when unprovoked that viciously attacks another animal or human being that results in severe injury including but not limited to muscle tears, disfiguring lacerations, multiple sutures, corrective cosmetic surgery or death. Any person found in violation or is found guilty by the Tribal Court is subject to a civil fine not to exceed $5,000 for each violation. The owner could be responsible for quarantine costs, medical or veterinary costs and possible destruction of the animal.
Because of the increase of animal neglect on the Fort Hall Reservation, Fort Hall ROAR was created as a 501 (C) 3 non-profit organization that tribal member Tressa Gonzales founded that assists the community in various animal situations to prevent dog attacks.
Because the victim is a non-native female, Bannock County Sheriff lieutenant Andy Iverson confirmed they are investigating the incident, along with the Fort Hall Police.
