Geneva Police Face Scrutiny After Pit Bull Attack Leaves Alabama Woman Unable to Work Following Earlier Warnings

Sheila Pate was walking to work in Geneva, Ala., when she was attacked by three pit bulls. Her family says police were warned about the dogs earlier that day.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 16, 2026, 12:30 PM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from PEOPLE

Severe Attack Occurs During Morning Commute

What should have been a routine walk to work turned into a life-threatening ordeal for Sheila Pate. While traveling on foot in Geneva on Thursday, March 12, Pate was intercepted and attacked by a pack of three pit bulls. The dogs bit her across her entire body, inflicting traumatic injuries that she told reporters made her believe she was going to die. Pate was eventually transported for medical treatment, but her family states the physical and psychological damage has left her unable to return to her place of employment.

Prior Warnings and Delayed Police Response

The core of the controversy surrounding the attack centers on a 911 call placed earlier that same morning. Pate’s son, Kenneth, confirmed that a neighbor had reported the roaming dogs to the Geneva Police Department prior to his mother’s encounter. Geneva Police Chief Pepper Mock confirmed that officers did respond to the initial report but were diverted from the scene to assist with city-wide storm cleanup efforts. Animal control was not successfully deployed to secure the animals until after the mauling had already taken place.

Financial Impact and Community Support Efforts

With Pate unable to earn an income and medical expenses increasing, her family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover basic living costs and rehabilitation fees. The traumatic nature of the event has not only sidelined her professionally but has also placed a significant emotional burden on her household. Family members have expressed frustration that a preventable incident was allowed to escalate despite the community’s attempt to alert authorities to the danger.