A woman was tragically mauled to death by two Great Danes in Perry County, Pennsylvania on Thursday evening. Kristen Potter, 38, had gone to her neighbor’s home on Clouser Hollow Road in Centre Township to feed their dogs while they were out of town. However, she was attacked and killed by the dogs around 5 p.m., according to the Perry County Coroner’s Office.
Potter suffered multiple traumatic injuries from the dog attack, and her death was ruled accidental by Coroner Robert Ressler. The Great Danes were later euthanized at a local veterinarian’s office. Authorities confirmed that a third dog was present at the scene, but it was not involved in the attack.
This is the second fatal dog attack in Perry County since 2021, highlighting the importance of understanding how to prevent such incidents. While many believe that only unfamiliar dogs pose a threat, this tragedy shows that even dogs you are familiar with can attack.
Experts recommend that all dog owners, regardless of the breed or size of their pet, take preventative measures to ensure their safety and the safety of others. Some tips for preventing dog attacks include:
- Always supervise your dog when they are around children or strangers
- Teach your dog basic obedience commands, such as “sit” and “stay”
- Socialize your dog with other dogs and people from a young age
- Keep your dog on a leash in public spaces and ensure they are secure in your yard
- Never leave a child unattended with a dog, even if it is a family pet
- Understand your dog’s body language and warning signs of aggression
- Spay or neuter your dog, as this can reduce aggressive behavior.
By following these tips, pet owners can help prevent devastating incidents like the one that occurred in Perry County.
