Elderly Puna Woman Attacked by Dogs Dies

An elderly Puna woman attacked by multiple dogs in Keaʻau last month succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead at Hilo Medical Center on Sunday, Sept. 5.

An autopsy has been scheduled for Friday, Sept. 10, to determine the exact cause of death.

The incident occurred on Saturday, Aug. 14 in the area of 12th Avenue in Hawaiian Paradise Park. According to Hawaiʻi Police Department, the 85-year-old woman was attacked by multiple neighboring dogs while she was out looking for her lost dog.

The victimʻs 89-year-old husband and an 88-year-old family member immediately went to her aid and were also attacked by the animals.

The victim was bitten about her head, neck, and arms, and had multiple lacerations and puncture wounds. All three victims were transported to HMC. The husband and male family member were treated for their injuries, and released from the hospital.

Following the incident, County of Hawai‘i Animal Control Officers took two dogs into custody.

This investigation remains continuing by the Hawai’i Police Department Area I Criminal Investigation Section. Upon completion, it will be forwarded to the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney.

Police ask anyone with information about this incident to call the police department’s non-emergency number at 808-935-3311, or the Area I Criminal Investigation Section Lt. Rio Amon-Wilkins, at 808-961-2252, or email Rio.Amon-Wilkins@hawaiicounty.gov.

Residents wishing to report vicious dogs are also encouraged to call the police department’s non-emergency number at 808-935-3311.