Woman, 74, mauled to death by neighborhood dogs, authorities say

CHEROKEE COUNTY, N.C. (WHNS/Gray News) - Authorities in North Carolina say a woman has died following a vicious attack involving three dogs.

According to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called to a neighborhood for reports of a possibly deceased person on the night of Feb. 25.

Arriving first responders said the woman was pronounced dead at the scene. She was identified as Diane Emily Pellington, 74.

According to officials, an autopsy was conducted on Feb. 27, and preliminary findings indicated her death was the result of a dog attack.

The sheriff’s office said three dogs were seized from a home and held in quarantine pending an investigation.

Officials said that all the dogs involved were known to live in the neighborhood and were on their owner’s property at the time of the attack.

“Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office sends our condolences to Ms. Pellington’s family and will hold her loved ones close in our thoughts and prayers,” the sheriff’s office said. “We also ask that everyone respect their privacy as they navigate this difficult time.”