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A 15-year-old girl from Arkansas was tragically killed in a brutal dog attack while attempting to feed and care for a large group of malnourished dogs that had been living in severe neglect. Makayla Fortner was attacked and killed on Wednesday on a property in Alexander, about 17 miles outside Little Rock, as she tried to help approximately 30 to 40 starving dogs, according to local outlet KATV.

Makayla and her mother, Stephanie Wilkie, had been working to care for the dogs after witnessing the poor conditions they were kept in by the owners. Neighbours say they had long been concerned about the situation and had filed multiple complaints. Ralph Murphy, a nearby resident, said he witnessed a Saline County deputy arrive at the scene and fire his weapon to scare the dogs back from the fence.

"I watched a Saline County deputy come out and go up to the fence, and a bunch of dogs ran up to the fence," Murphy told KATV. "He pulled out his pistol and shot into the ground twice, and the dogs ran. Then he walked over and looked down, turned around, and walked back. Then I moved and saw a body on the ground."

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Local residents warned but no avail

Local residents say they had warned authorities for months about the dangers posed by the pack of dogs, which were frequently seen roaming the neighbourhood. Despite repeated calls, officials reportedly told residents there was little they could do due to the lack of an animal control department in the county. Neighbour Heidi Clay described the dogs as "vicious," saying parents were too afraid to let their children walk to the school bus stop.

“When they moved in, all the neighbors were very upset. They brought in a large number of dogs and broken-down vehicles,” Clay said. “This was a beautiful young girl who lost her life because these people failed to care for their animals and created a hoarding situation.”
Following the fatal attack, Benton City authorities seized 14 dogs from the property and euthanized them. Four other dogs, which were inside the house during the attack, remain on the premises. The Saline County Sheriff’s Office, with support from Benton Animal Control, is investigating the incident.

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"Compassionate soul"

Makayla, a student at Bryant Public Schools, is remembered as a kind and compassionate soul. A GoFundMe page set up in her memory describes her as “a beautiful, bright girl with the kindest soul.” “Her smile could light up a room, and her laughter made others feel instantly at ease,” the page reads. “She is deeply loved by her family, friends, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.”


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