Four individuals connected to the property have been charged with multiple offenses, including animal cruelty and failing to vaccinate the dogs, while 27 dogs were removed from the residence.

A 71-year-old woman is recovering after a terrifying and violent encounter with a pack of dogs in Madisonville, Tennessee, an incident authorities are calling one of the most vicious attacks they have seen in recent memory.

On the afternoon of Saturday, September 6, Mary Norwood was discovered lying on the front porch of a residence on the 2500 block of Fairview Road with severe lacerations covering her body, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office reported.

She had been attacked by an estimated 10 to 15 pit bull-mix dogs, a scene described by officials as both chaotic and horrifying.

According to eyewitnesses, Norwood was unable to defend herself as the animals overwhelmed her. Bystanders and neighbors intervened, pulling the dogs away and allowing emergency medical personnel to reach her.

“I’ve seen dog bites, I’ve seen dog attacks, but I’ve never seen anything like this before,” said Sue Pettingill, a public information officer for the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.

“Nobody would have been able to get those dogs off of themselves because there were just too many of them. She was very vulnerable and helpless in that situation.”

Norwood was immediately treated by Monroe County EMS and transported to the University of Tennessee Hospital for further medical care.

While her current condition has not been officially confirmed, authorities emphasized the severity of her injuries, noting that long-term effects from such a brutal attack could be significant.

The investigation into the attack quickly led to the arrest of four individuals connected to the property where the dogs were kept.

Clayton Warren Davis, 65; Sara June Burris, 44; Ricky Lee Burris, 57; and Sheila Jenene Kryzak, 54, have all been charged with multiple offenses, including animals at large resulting in serious injury, a class E felony.

Additional charges include 12 counts of dogs without rabies vaccinations and 26 counts of animal cruelty.

The Monroe County Animal Control has removed a total of 27 dogs from the property, comprising 13 adult dogs, 13 puppies, and one dog belonging to the victim.

Authorities detailed that Ricky Lee Burris, currently on medical furlough, is expected to face further charges for owning a potentially vicious dog or a vicious dog as a violent felon, as well as failing to register as a sex offender.

Sara June Burris also faces charges related to possession of paraphernalia and introduction of contraband into a penal facility.

According to Pettingill, while animals have previously been removed from the property, this is the first time someone has suffered such severe injuries as a result of the dogs.

The scene of the attack underscores the dangers associated with poorly controlled and aggressive animals. Neighbors reported that the dogs were kept in large numbers on the property, creating an environment that posed a risk to both residents and visitors.

Authorities are urging the public to exercise caution when encountering large packs of dogs, particularly in areas where animal control measures may not have been enforced.

“This was an exceptionally violent and tragic event,” Pettingill said in a statement.

“It serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible pet ownership and vigilant oversight when multiple potentially aggressive animals are kept in close proximity to people. In this case, the consequences were devastating for Mrs. Norwood.”

Emergency personnel who responded to the call described the scene as chaotic, with multiple dogs still in the immediate vicinity when first responders arrived.

Thanks to the swift actions of bystanders and law enforcement, the situation was eventually brought under control, preventing further injuries.

Mary Norwood’s courage and resilience in the face of such a brutal attack have drawn attention from local media and the community alike, with many expressing relief that she survived and is receiving medical care.

The investigation remains active, and authorities continue to assess the conditions that allowed the dogs to become so aggressive.

Animal control officers are working with local law enforcement to ensure that the remaining dogs are secured and that the property meets regulatory standards.

The case has prompted discussion about stricter enforcement of animal control laws in the county, as well as public education on the risks associated with large packs of potentially dangerous dogs.

Monroe County Sheriff Tommy Jones emphasized the seriousness of the incident. “This was not a minor situation,” he said.

“We are treating it with the full force of the law, and the individuals responsible will be held accountable for the suffering and danger they created. The victim’s safety and well-being are our top priorities.”

Authorities are encouraging anyone with information related to the attack or the property to come forward. The case has sparked widespread concern across Tennessee and beyond, highlighting the potential hazards of keeping numerous aggressive dogs in a residential area.

Community members have expressed both outrage at the attack and gratitude for the first responders who acted quickly to rescue Norwood from what could have been an even more deadly situation.

As Mary Norwood recovers from her injuries, the community remains on high alert, with increased scrutiny on the responsibilities of dog owners and the enforcement of local animal control regulations.

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office has pledged to continue monitoring the situation and to ensure that incidents like this are prevented in the future.

This harrowing event serves as a stark reminder of how quickly ordinary situations can turn dangerous when proper precautions are not observed.

Residents are encouraged to report aggressive animals, and officials continue to emphasize the importance of community cooperation in preventing similar tragedies. For now, the focus remains on Norwood’s recovery and ensuring accountability for those responsible.