A 71-year-old woman sustained severe injuries in an assault by a large pack of dogs. Authorities found Mary Norwood with significant cuts on her front porch following an attack by approximately 10 to 15 pit bull mixes. Bystanders intervened to remove the dogs before emergency services arrived.

Norwood received initial medical attention from Monroe County EMS at the scene and was later taken to the University of Tennessee Hospital for further treatment. Her current medical status is undisclosed.

Describing the incident, MCSO Public Information Officer Sue Pettingill stated, “I’ve witnessed dog bites and attacks, but this was unprecedented. She was defenseless against that number of dogs.”

After an inquiry by Monroe County detectives and animal control officers in Madisonville, Tennessee, four individuals were apprehended and charged with various offenses, including a Class E felony for animals at large causing severe harm. The accused, Clayton Warren Davis (65), Sara June Burris (44), Ricky Lee Burris (57), and Sheila Jenene Kryzak (54), are facing 12 charges for dogs lacking rabies vaccinations and 26 counts of animal mistreatment.

A total of 27 dogs, comprising 13 adult dogs, 13 puppies, and one owned by the victim, were taken from the property. Further accusations are forthcoming. Ricky Burris, currently on medical leave, may be charged for owning a dangerous dog as a felon with violent history and failure to register as a sex offender.

Sara Burris is also accused of possessing drug paraphernalia and attempting to smuggle contraband into a correctional facility. Pettingill highlighted previous dog seizures from the location but emphasized this was the first instance of a severe injury.

As of September 13, there has been no update on Norwood’s condition provided by MCSO.