Massachusetts woman mauled to death by her dog while suffering seizure, authorities say
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A Massachusetts woman died Friday after being mauled by her family dog while having a seizure, authorities said.
Police got a call around 5:20 p.m. from the daughter of the victim, who said her mother, Melissa Astacio, 44, was having a seizure in their home when the dog decided to attack.
When police and paramedics arrived, the 8-year-old pit bull was reportedly still attacking Astacio. Law enforcement personnel had to use a stun gun on the canine so paramedics could attempt to save the victim, according to the Bristol District Attorney's Office.
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Following the attack, Astacio, who Quinn's office said had a history of seizures, was rushed to Rhode Island Hospital in Providence where she was pronounced dead at 6:20 p.m.
The pit bull was taken by Swansea Animal Control where it was placed in quarantine. Police said Saturday that no foul play was suspected and an investigation was ongoing.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Dr. Terri Bright, director of behavior services at MSPCA-Angell, said she hoped the incident would be investigated beyond breed, according to the Boston Herald.
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“Every dog has behavior that comes from both nature and nurture, and no breed is inherently good or inherently bad any more than any human being is," she said.
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In 2015, a pit bull named Ember was credited with saving the life of a 10-year-old Ohio boy who was suffering from a seizure because the pet started growling to alert the child's parents, according to Cincinnati's WKRC-TV.