Arkansas Teen Mauled to Death by Neglected Dog Pack; Officials Euthanize 14 Dogs

Makayla Fortner, a 15-year-old Arkansas teen, was tragically mauled to death by a pack of 30 to 40 malnourished dogs she was trying to rescue and feed on a property in Saline County. Fortner and her mother had been caring for the neglected dogs and seeking permanent homes for them, but neighbors had long reported the dogs running loose and behaving aggressively, with multiple complaints to county officials who said there was no animal control in place. During the fatal attack, a sheriff's deputy fired shots to scare the dogs away, but it was too late to save Fortner. Following the incident, authorities seized and euthanized several dogs from the property, though some remained locked inside the house. The community mourned Fortner as a kind and caring young girl, with tributes highlighting her bright spirit and dedication. The tragedy has raised concerns about animal control deficiencies in Saline County, which neighbors believe contributed to the dangerous situation.