A tragic dog attack that occurred in a wooded area of east Okmulgee has left a 31-year-old woman with life-altering injuries, prompting an ongoing investigation by the Okmulgee Police Department (OPD).
According to a statement from the Okmulgee Police Department, officers were dispatched at approximately 10:57 p.m. on Sept. 9 to the area near 1017 E 12th Street after receiving reports of a person bitten by a dog. Upon arrival, officers heard cries for help coming from a wooded area near the location.
Officers followed a trail into the woods and discovered a female victim, later identified as Janelle Scott, suffering from “significant and severe injuries.” Emergency field care was immediately rendered on-site while paramedics were called to the location. Scott was then transported from the scene and airlifted via medical helicopter to St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa.
— Attack Details & Investigation
OPD reported that Scott’s boyfriend arrived at the scene moments after the initial attack. He attempted to assist Scott and, in doing so, was also attacked by one of the dogs. During the altercation, the dog involved in the attack was killed.
“Officers did locate the deceased dog in that area and evidence on the dog indicates that it was involved in the attack,” OPD stated.
Authorities said the location of the attack is known to have a homeless or transient encampment, including an RV-type trailer where the dog or dogs were reportedly being kept. Police believe the trailer may have been broken into earlier that evening, which may have allowed the animals to escape and subsequently led to the attack.
The individual responsible for caring for the animals was not the owner, but was issued a citation for violations of city animal codes. The owner of the dogs was reportedly incarcerated at the time of the incident.
— Extent of Injuries
In the days following the attack, Scott has undergone multiple surgeries. Her injuries were so catastrophic that she has since lost both arms and both legs. Additional surgeries are planned, and doctors are working to preserve enough muscle in her remaining limbs to allow for the possibility of prosthetics.
Scott remains hospitalized in Tulsa, and her family has set up a GoFundMe account to help with medical and long-term recovery expenses.
— Status of the Animals
OPD has confirmed that the dog responsible for the attack was killed during the altercation. Another dog was present at the scene, but police say there was no evidence that this second dog participated in the attack. That animal remains alive and in custody.
“The person taking care of the dog got a ticket for violating animal codes,” the department noted.
— Continuing Investigation
The Okmulgee Police Department emphasized that the investigation is ongoing as officers continue to gather evidence and interview witnesses. The condition and security of the trailer, the handling of the dogs, and the circumstances leading to the alleged break-in remain focal points in the investigation.
Anyone with further information regarding the incident is encouraged to contact the Okmulgee Police Department as they continue their efforts to determine what led to the devastating attack.
