Dog-sitter savaged to death by pack of pit bulls still mauling her when police arrived | World | News

A 23-year-old university student was mauled to death by three pit bulls she was dog-sitting. Madison Riley Hull was horrifically savaged in the garden of the home when a neighbour called emergency services, and police rushed to the scene. Officers found Madison on the ground with the dogs still attacking her on Friday afternoon. As one officer moved in, the animals turned on him instead.

He fatally shot one of the charging pit bulls, with the gunshot scaring off the other two in Tyler, east of Dallas, Texas, US. Police were then able to pull Madison to safety, but her injuries were so severe she died shortly afterwards. The officer who opened fire was treated in hospital for minor injuries.

Madison was an animal lover and had previously babysat the pit bulls’ owners’ children, as reported by NeedToKnow.

Smith County Sheriff Department’s public information officer Sergeant Larry Christian told the WTOC-11 that when the three dogs “diverted their attention” to the attending officers, they were forced to act.

“All three of them started coming towards [an officer] and he un-holstered his service weapon and fired at one of the dogs,” Sergeant Christian said.

The surviving pit bulls are set to be put down.

Her devastated mother, Jennifer Hubbell, paid tribute, saying: “Madi was love, she was light, she was kindness, she was laughter.

“She was fierce in the most beautiful and disarming way.

“She loved life with her whole heart and moved through the world with a free spirit that lifted those around her.”

Madison was just six months away from earning her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Texas at Tyler.

Jennifer added: “She had already found her true purpose in teaching young children.

“Her K-3rd grade students adored her.

“She had a gift for making every child feel safe, special and loved.

“Madison’s heart was made for that work.”

Her mother has launched an online fundraiser in memory of her daughter, and has so far received huge support from the community. Within three days, Ms Hubbell has raised a staggering $13,500 in donations.