Sandra Wolfe Schaefer dies in fatal Blount County dog attack.
Fatal Blount County dog attack death of Sandra Wolfe Schaefer.
Law enforcement personnel were dispatched after receiving a report concerning a canine incident on Macks Way within the city limits of Oneonta, located in Blount County, at approximately 3:00 in the early morning hours of Tuesday, September 23. Upon their arrival at the scene, the responding officials discovered that a 61-year-old woman named Sandra Wolfe Schaefer, alongside two other individuals, had suffered injuries.
According to investigations conducted by the Blount County Sheriff’s Office, a male individual was temporarily responsible for caring for the dog on behalf of an incarcerated friend. During his momentary break from his duties in a workshop setting, the animal reportedly exhibited extreme aggression and bit his hands, causing severe tissue damage without completely sever them off. At that time, Sandra Wolfe Schaefer and her husband, who were present as guests, attempted to intervene by trying to detach the dog from its handler.
Subsequently, a family member or nearby resident arrived and tried to stop the aggressive behavior by firing at the animal; however, the attempt resulted in a malfunction of the firearm. After the dog was incapacitated, it was shot and ultimately did not survive. The sheriff’s office later reported that all three people involved were taken to a medical facility and treated for critical injuries, with Sandra Wolfe Schaefer unfortunately succumbing to her wounds by September 26.
Further details provided by Jason Paul, the public information sergeant from the Blount County Sheriff’s Office, indicated that the dog did not have any documented history of violent behavior and tests confirmed it was free from the rabies virus. Due to these factors, the authorities stated that no legal charges would be filed against anyone in connection with this event.
