Digital Media Center
Bryant-Denny Stadium, Gate 61
920 Paul Bryant Drive
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0370
(800) 654-4262

© 2025 Alabama Public Radio
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Join APR on June 23 for Community Night! The festivities will take place from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Hotel Indigo in Tuscaloosa.

Anniston Pit Bull Victim Still Hospitalized

By Associated Press

Anniston AL – A 51-year-old Anniston woman mauled by four pit bulls was airlifted to a Birmingham hospital.

Police in Anniston said Olivia Thompson was found just before 2 a.m. Friday, lying against a fence on McKleroy Avenue in the Blue Mountain area. She was yelling for help.

When police arrived, one of the pit bulls charged the animal-control officer and was shot and killed.

Police Sgt. Allen George said Thompson received severe injuries to her scalp and extremities and was taken to Regional Medical Center, then airlifted to the University Hospitals in Birmingham where she was in intensive care Saturday.

One of the three remaining dogs was captured at the scene, according to police, while two dogs were surrendered to police by David Zackery, the alleged owner.

The dogs were euthanized and sent to a state lab for rabies tests. Zackery was issued 10 citations at the scene, and police expect more charges .

Police said the attack took place outside Zackery's residence.

Anniston requires that dogs be leashed or kept within the confines of a fence.

___

Information from: The Anniston Star, http://www.annistonstar.com/

News from Alabama Public Radio is a public service in association with the University of Alabama. We depend on your help to keep our programming on the air and online. Please consider supporting the news you rely on with a donation today. Every contribution, no matter the size, propels our vital coverage. Thank you.