Family remembers woman killed in New Orleans dog attack

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — The New Orleans Police Department and Louisiana SPCA are investigating after a woman was found dead, allegedly attacked by a neighbors dogs.

According to family members, on Thursday, March 20, 81-year-old Barbara Stewart was taking out her trash outside her home in New Orleans East, when her neighbors dogs escaped from a fenced in yard and attacked Stewart, biting her several times.

“Her neighbor called frantic telling me to get here quick, and what I saw was my mom on the ground with dog bites all over her,” Charlene Smith said.

Stewart was rushed to UMC hospital but doctors were unable to save her.

Loved ones remember her as a devoted grandma, a loving friend and someone who could brighten any room.

“Wherever we went, everyone just laughed at, you know, her demeanor or things she said and she just brought happiness wherever she walked into.”

Relatives say Stewart’s neighbor owns six pit bulls. According the LSPCA, two of the dogs involved in the attack are being held on a mandatory 10-day quarantine, awaiting possible euthanasia while a third dog was surrendered to the agency and is scheduled to be euthanized.

“It could have been prevented had he had his fence secure enough not to get through the fence,” Smith said.

New Orleans Humane Law and Rescue has issued the owner of the dogs two counts of dangerous dogs and two counts of dogs confined.

Stewart’s daughter is now promising to keep her moms memory alive.

“We’re definitely going to make sure her legacy continues in a very positive light,” Smith said.

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