The owners of two pit bulls who attacked and severely injured an 81-year-old Morgan County woman Aug. 17 turned themselves in Aug. 25.
A probe conducted by the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Criminal Investigation Unit revealed the dogs’ owners had been warned or cited numerous times over the past two years for their dogs being at large or being aggressive to people and animals.
Investigators obtained arrest warrants for Martin Mayzurk, 44, and Julie Mayzurk, 35, both of Buckhead, charging them with reckless conduct. Also, Morgan County Animal Control issued citations for nuisance animals and animals at large.
Janet Morrison, the victim of the attack which occurred in the Oconee Shores subdivision, was flown to Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta where she remains in intensive care, according to a press release from MCSO.
Morrison suffered several life-threatening injuries and a broken hip during the dog attack, according to sources. A witness said skin was torn from her arms and she had multiple bites on her face. She also had several wounds on her back that looked like stab wounds, according to sources. She faces several surgeries as doctors treat her injuries.
According to an incident report filed with the MCSO, Deputy Kenneth Smith was dispatched to the scene after being notified by dispatch of the attack.
Morrison had called 911 and said she was being attacked by two dogs that were still circling her.
When Smith arrived on the scene, Morrison was already being helped by a local citizen who had rescued her from the dogs and was now providing aid.
Smith observed one of the two dogs still walking around the house and kept the scene safe while the complainant was being treated.
Morrison was later flown by helicopter to Grady, according to the report.
The dogs were captured by Morgan County Animal Control personnel and detained in their facility. According to reports, deputies believed the dogs pulled down a wire fence attached to a gate and climbed through it.
The dog owners made an appearance before the Morgan County Magistrate Court and each paid a $6,500 bond before being released, according to the MCSO.
They also voluntarily agreed to have both dogs euthanized by Morgan County Animal Control.