61-Year Old Texan, Pat Sorensen, Loses Half Her Face in Pit Bull Attack
Sorensen told reporters, "People have to see what these dogs are capable of."Graphic Side ViewUPDATE 03/19/09: On March 19, the Silsbee Bee newspaper reported on the horrific attack of Pat Sorensen. The newspaper depicted a new photo of Sorensen's injury (a close-up, side view). Since the February attack, she has undergone two major operations including a skin graft to reform the right side of her face, which doctors were unable to re-attach. The article also describes in greater detail the moments that led up to the disfiguring attack:
"She gave the court graphic details of her impression of what happened in the next few seconds indicating that the dog knocked her glasses off and that she could feel blood all on her face. At this time the pit bull released and then bit her again on the back of her neck just barely missing a main artery. Sorensen took a brief moment to describe how a person at the scene had placed her right check in a container with ice."
03/12/09: Pat Sorensen, a Pit Bull Attack VictimKirbyville, TX - DogsBite.org recently recorded this incident into our dog attack spreadsheet. At the time, only a
short article was present. Though details of the victim's injuries were sparse, several items sent chills up our spine: a second felony arrest had been made and the victim, 61-year old Pat Sorensen, had stepped through her restaurant's door only to suddenly be assaulted by a pit bull on the other side. The vicious attack occurred February 17th.
This is what a chimpanzee pit bull can do to a person's face.
On March 12, it was reported that Amanda Byrd, 21 was arrested. Her husband Ricky Byrd, 26 was arrested just after the attack. Both face 3rd degree felony charges and up to 10 years behind bars. The dog was off owner property when it attacked, so it qualifies under
Lillian's Law. Ricky worked for Sorensen's husband. That day, Amanda brought "Nubbs" just inside the deli's door. As Sorensen approached the deli's door, the pit bull attacked her.
On Friday March 13th, Precinct 3 Justice of the Peace Susan Ratcliff deliberated the fate of the attacking dog. She ordered the pit bull
destroyed immediately. The owners didn't contest her decision. Sorensen says neither Amanda nor Ricky offered an apology to her at the hearing. Friends and family members have set up a medical fund for Patricia Sorensen at
First Bank & Trust. Please contact the Kirbyville branch to learn more: (409) 423-7400.
Pat Sorensen's courage, wisdom and story is breathtaking. We strongly recommend that readers
email this blog post to your city council members and state legislators.
Related ZUPF videoRelated articles:02/26/09:
What's There "Not to Get" About Regulating Pit Bulls?02/24/09:
2008 International Shark Attack Report Released08/20/08:
Dog Attacks, Trends and Dog Law Coverage of Texas01/09/08:
Lillian's Law - Texas State Dangerous Dog Law
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