An 86-year-old woman in Moore died after a dog she was temporarily caring for attacked her on Thursday, according to police. Bystanders and first responders tried to save her life at the scene before she was rushed to a nearby hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.
What officials say
The Moore Police Department said officers were called to the area of NE 27th Street and Highland Drive at about 5:45 p.m. on Thursday. When they arrived, they found the woman suffering from severe injuries. Officers applied tourniquets and began life-saving measures until medical personnel arrived. She was transported to a local hospital in critical condition and later died from her injuries.
Moore Animal Control removed the dog from the residence and is confining it, according to KOKH. Officials have not released further details about the dog's breed or the identity of its owner.
In a brief public statement, the department added, "The Moore Police Department extends its thoughts and condolences to everyone impacted by this tragic incident," per KOKH. The investigation remains open.
How common are fatal dog attacks?
Fatal dog attacks on humans are rare, but they do happen across the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recorded 468 deaths from being bitten or struck by a dog between 2011 and 2021, an average of about 43 deaths per year, and reported that the numbers increased from 2018 through 2021, according to the CDC.
The agency also advises that a healthy dog that bites a person should be confined and observed for 10 days to watch for any signs of rabies, a standard public health precaution, according to the CDC.
What comes next
Local animal control and public health officials typically decide whether to quarantine, test or take other action with animals involved in serious bites. State and municipal rules can also trigger dangerous-dog designations or civil liability for owners.
Oklahoma dog-bite guidance and legal summaries describe the state's liability framework and the role of animal-control investigations in documenting incidents and determining next steps, per Recording Law. Moore police say the investigation into Thursday's attack is ongoing and have not given a timeline for additional public updates.
