A summer afternoon near Corning turned into a nightmare on June 27 when a pack of dogs attacked a 7-year-old girl identified by family as Patricia, leaving her with severe wounds to her scalp and legs that required emergency surgery. She was airlifted to UC Davis Medical Center and, according to her family, remains in recovery as they keep vigil by her side.
What officials say
The Tehama County Sheriff's Office says deputies were called out around 12:30 p.m. on June 27 for reports of a dog mauling and arrived to find a chaotic scene that they processed while interviewing witnesses. Six dogs believed to have been involved were seized and taken to the Tehama County Animal Shelter, according to the New York Post. The sheriff's office says the investigation is ongoing and that no arrests or citations have been announced so far, the San Francisco Chronicle reports.
Family fundraiser and condition
On a GoFundMe page, Patricia's grandmother, Monica Edmiston, wrote that the 7-year-old "is currently fighting for her life" after being rushed to UC Davis and undergoing emergency surgery. The fundraiser explains that Patricia's relatives have been sleeping in their car near the hospital so they can stay close while she recovers. Donations on the page were paused after raising $4,100 on a $3,000 goal, and the family has been posting updates there about her improving condition. GoFundMe
Dogs seized and shelter handling
Deputies say the animals were removed from the scene and taken to county animal services, where they are being evaluated and held while detectives continue their work. Reporting in the New York Post also detailed the attack and confirmed that six dogs were seized as part of the ongoing investigation.
Community support and school response
The Corning Union Elementary School District posted a message of support on Facebook identifying Patricia as one of its students and offering thoughts and prayers to her family. Neighbors and relatives have stepped in with food, transportation to the hospital, and other help as the family focuses on her recovery, the San Francisco Chronicle reports. Family updates say Patricia is showing signs of improvement but faces a long and difficult road of medical care and rehabilitation.
What happens next
Investigators are continuing to process evidence from the scene and to interview witnesses while animal-control officials evaluate the seized dogs. Authorities say they plan to release additional details as the Tehama County Sheriff's Office completes its review and the investigation moves forward.
