A Northern California woman was killed this week in a suspected dog attack, and authorities are investigating whether any of the 25 Great Danes found in the area may have been behind the fatal mauling.
A resident discovered a body around 2 a.m. Thursday on the Blackhawk Trail in Feather Falls, not far from Lake Oroville. He called police, who responded to the scene, according to the Butte County Sheriff’s Office.
The woman was later identified as 56-year-old Davina Corbin, who lived in the area. An autopsy found numerous bite marks and other injuries that suggested she had been attacked by a family dog, and evidence showed she was out for a walk when she was beaten, authorities said.
Sheriff’s detectives investigated, but didn’t get very far. Corbin’s body was found in front of a house and after executing a search warrant, detectives found themselves in a shocking situation involving 25 Great Danes.
“Deputies and detectives spent the entire day capturing these dogs that escaped in the area,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a statement Friday. “To date, approximately 23 dogs have been captured and turned over to Animal Control. Detectives are currently trying to capture these two remarkable dogs.
Laboratory analysis confirmed that Corbin’s clothing was covered in DNA consistent with at least one domestic dog, and authorities are conducting additional testing to determine which dog or dogs may be responsible for the attack.
Despite their size, Great Danes are generally known for being gentle and friendly. When fully grown, these dogs stand taller than most humans on their hind legs and can weigh 110 to 175 pounds, making them recognized as one of the largest dog breeds.
According to the American Kennel Club, Great Danes were bred by German aristocrats to hunt ferocious wild boar, and later became protectors of their homes and loved ones.
