Shirley Patrick: Widowed grandmom, 83, mauled to death by XL Bully in 'hellish and violent' dog attack
CAERPHILLY, SOUTH WALES: An 83-year-old widowed grandmother has died in the hospital 17 days after being viciously mauled by an XL Bully at her own home, an inquest has heard. Retired nurse Shirley Patrick reportedly suffered "life-threatening injuries", including lacerations and serious wounds to her head, body, face, and arms during the "hellish" and "violent" dog attack in Caerphilly, South Wales on December 3, 2022.
Patrick's provisional cause of death was given as "sepsis caused by pneumonia and infected scalp wounds" following the attack. An inquest into her death was opened and adjourned by Gwent Coroner Caroline Saunders, arresting four people on suspicion of being in charge of a dangerously turbulent dog causing injury. The suspects have been released under conditional bail at the time of writing. A 55-year-old man named Paul, who is believed to be her son, was also taken to the hospital with minor injuries before being released. The dog, a large black XL Bully Cross Cane Corso breed, was seized by officers and has been euthanized, according to the DailyMail.
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A similar incident happened just half a mile from a house where 10-year-old Jack Lis fell victim to a dog attack one year ago, as per The Sun.
With the investigation into Patrick's death currently underway, the officers will be making further inquiries in the local area. "If you have concerns or any information regarding this dog and its previous behavior then please do stop and talk with us," said Detective Chief Inspector Matthew Sedgebeer regarding the incident, as per the outlet. Specially trained firearms officers, police, and paramedics were reportedly called to the house in December.
While describing the incident, a neighbor said "all hell broke loose" at the scene of the attack. Another neighbor said, "A nice old lady who you see walking around," adding, "Poor thing to suffer like that at her age."
Patrick was a widower after her husband Dennis’ death three years ago before the incident. Her grandson, on the other hand, had a dog-walking business called Leeondogs that he handled from the house. He had reportedly moved out before the tragedy.