In an absolutely horrific story, U.S. Postal Service Mail Carrier Pamela Rock, 61, of Melrose, was mauled to death by five pit bulls when her delivery vehicle broke down in Putnam County near Interlachen Lake Estates.
Neighbors heard her scream for help as they rushed to pull the dogs off of Rock. One neighbor tried shooting into the air to scare the dogs away, but the gunshots didn’t deter them.
Putnam County Deputies responded to a residence in the 2000 block of Walker Drive and found Ms. Rock on the ground bleeding severely. Neighbors and the dogs’ owner had contained the dogs by the time deputies arrived. Upon arrival, Deputies immediately provided first aid to Ms. Rock, including applying tourniquets until paramedics arrived.
Ms. Rock was taken to Florida Putnam Hospital and then flown to a trauma center in Gainesville. She remained in critical condition until her death from the injuries at around 7:30 p.m.
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Neighbors remembered Rock as a sweet woman who would bring candy to the children on her route and leave apples for the neighborhood horses.
The dogs had escaped from the property by moving blocks at the bottom of a fence that had kept them secured, authorities said.
The Sheriff’s Office has been contacted in regard to the dogs in the past, and Deputies have responded. But at this time, they were unable to release details as it is part of an ongoing investigation.
In a Press Conference, Putnam County Sheriff Gator DeLoach stated:
“Our hearts are with the victim and her family as they navigate through this tragic event,” “It is imperative that dog owners take responsibility in keeping their animals in a secured location for their safety and those around.”
Putnam County Sheriff Chief Deputy Colonel Joseph Wells revealed that animal control officers visited the dogs’ home at least twice in the last three years, having been called out to complaints about ‘vicious’ hounds. He said the owner of the dogs, an elderly man who has not been identified, could face charges
‘We are in frequent communications with the state attorney’s office as we explore options as far as possible criminal cases as this case continues.’
Animal Control arrived at the scene and took custody of the five dogs identified by witnesses in the attack. The owner has relinquished custody of the dogs, and they will be euthanized.
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