Girl, 15, mauled to death by pack of rescue dogs, including pit bulls, while feeding them
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Arkansas Teen killed by Pack of Neglected Dogs; Neighbors Complained
Updated June 14,2025
A 15-year-old girl in Saline County,Arkansas,died after being mauled by a pack of dogs she was trying to feed. Makayla Fortner was attacked by the neglected animals, which included pit bulls, their crossbreeds, and hounds.
Benton Animal Services spokesperson Matt Thibault confirmed the breeds present in the pack. Following the tragedy, authorities euthanized 14 of the dogs. Four others found inside the house were spared.
The incident has ignited outrage among local residents, who say they had repeatedly voiced concerns about the roaming pack of dogs. They claim complaints to Saline county officials about the loose dogs went unheeded. One resident described the dogs as so “vicious” that “no one felt safe allowing their children to walk to and from the bus stop.”
Heidi Clay, a neighbor, said residents were upset when the owners moved in with a large number of dogs and broken-down vehicles. “This was a stunning young girl who lost her life because these people did not properly take care of their dogs and have a hoarding issue,” Clay remarked.
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Stephanie Wilkie, the victim’s mother, is receiving support through a GoFundMe page set up by a family friend to help with funeral expenses. Erin Bowman, the organizer, described the tragic loss of Makayla Fortner on the fundraising page.
What’s next
The Saline County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the circumstances surrounding the dog attack and the neglected pack of dogs. Animal control policies and enforcement in the area are also under scrutiny following the death of the Arkansas teen.