Dog Owner Mauled To Death By Pet While Having Seizure, Family Believes Canine Was 'Trying To Help'

A woman was mauled to death by her family dog while suffering from a seizure in her home. The incident occurred at Somerset, Massachusetts, on Friday evening.

The victim, identified as 44-year-old Melissa Astacio, was attacked by Amigo, her eight-year-old pit bull, while she was experiencing a seizure.

According to a statement from the Bristol County District attorney’s office, the woman's daughter had contacted emergency services for help. However, they were not able to save her.

“When police and paramedics arrived on scene, police were forced to deploy a Taser on the dog before being able to assist the victim, who was then rushed to Rhode Island Hospital,” the statement said.

Melissa was pronounced dead at the hospital, an hour after the incident.

Amigo has been with the family since he was a puppy. Melissa’s daughter, Heaven, said she does not blame the dog for what had happened and that she does not want Amigo to be put down.

“I don’t think he was trying to attack her. I think the dog was just trying to help my mom but he’s just a dog and he didn’t know any better. The dog would just lay on the side of her and like sniff her and stuff like that. But that’s not what happened last night. I don't want to see my dog get put down for something he was only trying to help with," she said.

Police said they believe there were no signs of foul play involved in the incident. They also mentioned that the family and friends of the victim were aware that the woman was suffering from a medical condition that causes seizures.

The pet dog was taken into care by Swansea Animal Rescue and was quarantined at the facility. The incident was under investigation.