California woman suffers more than 150 injuries after being attacked by wild dogs on walking trail – UK Times

A California mother is recovering from more than 150 lacerations and puncture wounds across her body after being attacked by a pack of stray dogs while out for a walk.

Dorrie Reyes was walking along a levee in Stockton on April 23 when she was surrounded by seven to nine stray dogs, including German shepherds and mixed breeds, according to a GoFundMe organized by her family.

Just moments before the scene turned violent, Reyes filmed the dogs on her phone while shouting for help. As the animals mauled her, a nearby couple heard her cries and rushed in, managing to drive the dogs away, her son Ronnie said.

“The good Samaritan was, as far as I know, afraid of dogs, but he still came out to help my mom,” Ronnie Reyes told 9News, wiping away tears, adding his family is thankful to the couple because his mother’s injuries “could’ve been much worse.”

Dorrie Reyes was rushed to the hospital with 150 to 200 lacerations and puncture wounds across her arms, legs, face, head and neck. She spent six hours in the operating theater and lost a significant amount of blood, according to the GoFundMe.

She is now recovering at a rehabilitation facility as her family raises funds to cover her “crazy” medical and recovery costs, as well as legal fees, according to the campaign page, noting they plan to pursue legal action over the incident.

While Reyes said he doesn’t want anyone else to go through what his family is experiencing, other Stockton residents say they have also encountered stray dogs near the same area.

“I have seen five or six dogs and they almost attacked me,” Erica Navarrete told 9 News about an incident on a nearby trail.

“I am hoping that they catch the dogs because there are kids out here, too, who ride their bicycles. Little kids. There are moms here with strollers. You just never know,” Navarrete added.

In a statement to 9 News, Stockton Vice Mayor Jason Lee said public safety is the top priority and that the city is actively responding to dangerous stray dog situations.

“This is also a community issue. Pet overpopulation and roaming animals don’t happen without a lack of responsible ownership,” Lee said.

Lee said the city is expanding spay-and-neuter services and expects residents to do their part as well.

The Independent has contacted Lee and the Stockton Police Department for comment.