Woman died after she fell in her home and her dog attacked, police say

DURHAM, N.C. (WRAL) - A North Carolina woman died after she fell in her home and was attacked by her dog, police say.

Durham Police responded to the victim’s home around 9:29 p.m. Thursday. The victim, who has not been publicly identified, was pronounced dead at the scene.

One neighbor, who asked to remain anonymous, was shocked to learn of the tragedy that had unfolded inside the victim’s home.

“Well, it’s scary because that can happen to anyone,” the neighbor said. “But I have dogs myself, and that’s why I’m scared to get a big dog.”

The Durham County Sheriff’s Office Animal Services took possession of the victim’s dog. Deputies say the dog is currently on a 10-day bite hold, per state law.

Javier Mendoza, a dog trainer of 12 years, says attacks like this are rare and often preceded by signs.

“Most of the time, you’re going to have a dog that told you, but those things were missed over time. Then, it can lead to a bigger issue,” Mendoza said.

Police say no other injuries were reported in the incident.