Oneonta, Alabama, September 27, 2025
News Summary
A tragic dog attack in Oneonta, Alabama, has claimed the life of 61-year-old Sandra Wolfe Schaefer. Following the attack, which left three people injured, Schaefer succumbed to her injuries three days later. This incident highlights alarming trends regarding dog attacks in the state, with Schaefer being reported as the fifth fatality in 2023. The community is now calling for stricter dog ownership laws to prevent further tragedies as local authorities reinforce public safety measures.
Oneonta, Alabama – Dog Attack Claims Life of Local Woman
In a tragic incident in Alabama, 61-year-old Sandra Wolfe Schaefer died on Friday, three days after sustaining severe injuries from a dog attack. This marks the fifth fatality related to dog attacks in the state this year.
The attack occurred early on Tuesday in the Oneonta area of Blount County, specifically on Macks Way. Local sheriff’s deputies received a report of a dog bite and rushed to the scene, where they found Schaefer along with two other individuals who had also been injured.
Reports indicate that a man walking a dog he was caring for (whose owner is currently incarcerated) encountered a dangerous situation when the dog “went crazy” and attacked him, resulting in severe injuries to his fingers. Schaefer and the other two victims intervened to assist the dog’s handler, but they too were attacked by the aggressive animal.
All three victims were subsequently hospitalized for their injuries. An additional individual, who was present during the attack but unharmed, took the necessary steps to protect himself and others by shooting the dog. Fortunately, no criminal charges are anticipated as a result of this incident.
Recent Trends in Dog Attacks
This incident highlights a concerning trend in Alabama, as Schaefer is now confirmed as at least the fifth victim of a fatal dog attack in the state in 2023. Previous attacks this year include:
- On July 24, 50-year-old Delores M. Musgrove was found dead in Bessemer after being attacked by multiple dogs.
- On July 22, a 7-year-old boy was killed in Chilton County. Following this attack, the dog’s owner surrendered nine dogs to Chilton County Animal Control, which included several mixed-breed puppies.
- In March, a 6-month-old girl named Ember Southard was killed in a dog attack inside her home in Alabaster.
- In February, a 46-year-old woman was mauled by a pack of dogs at a residence in Tuscaloosa County while attempting to feed them.
Community Concerns and Calls for Action
Community members, including those who have personally experienced tragic losses from dog attacks, are increasingly vocal about their concerns. Many citizens are calling for greater responsibility and stricter enforcement of dog ownership laws, particularly in light of the rising number of attacks.
The Alabama Department of Public Health has responded to this alarm by urging residents to remain vigilant around dogs and other animals, warning of the risks associated with dog bites and potential disease transmission. To encourage safety, they suggest maintaining a safe distance from unfamiliar animals, supervising children closely, and reporting any dog bites to local authorities. Alabama law mandates that dogs and cats aged three months and older receive annual rabies vaccinations.
Conclusion
The unfortunate death of Sandra Wolfe Schaefer is a reminder of the ongoing issues regarding dog ownership and public safety. With growing concern from the community, it remains to be seen what actions will be taken to prevent further incidents and ensure responsible pet ownership in Alabama.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Sandra Wolfe Schaefer die?
Sandra Wolfe Schaefer died Friday, three days after being injured in a dog attack.
Where did the dog attack occur?
The dog attack occurred on Macks Way in the Oneonta area of Blount County.
What do authorities expect regarding criminal charges?
No criminal charges are expected in relation to the dog attack.
How many people have died from dog attacks in Alabama this year?
Schaefer is at least the fifth person in Alabama killed in a dog attack this year.
Key Features of Dog Attacks in Alabama
| Date | Victim | Details |
|---|---|---|
| February (Date TBD) | 46-year-old woman | Mauled by a pack of dogs in Tuscaloosa County while trying to feed them. |
| March (Date TBD) | 6-month-old Ember Southard | Died in a dog attack at home in Alabaster. |
| July 22 | 7-year-old boy | Killed in Chilton County; owner surrendered nine dogs afterward. |
| July 24 | 50-year-old Delores M. Musgrove | Found dead in Bessemer after an attack by multiple dogs. |
| August 2023 | Sandra Wolfe Schaefer | Died after a dog attack in Oneonta, Alabama. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Florida’s Black Bear Hunt Receives Approval Amid Debate
Gunman Opens Fire at CDC Campus in Atlanta, Officer Dies
Birmingham Community Rallies to Support Grieving Father
Heartfelt Goodbye to Minnesota Lawmaker and Beloved Dog
Satellite Images Reveal Damage to Iran’s Nuclear Sites
Tragedy Strikes Minnesota Political Scene: Lawmaker Murdered
Israel and Iran’s Tensions Erupt: Major Military Operation
Alabama Consortium Launches Virtual Reality Civil Rights Program
Birmingham’s Civil Rights Struggle: A Pivotal Moment in History
Exciting Showdown in Birmingham: UAB and Gardner-Webb Battle to a Thrilling 2-2 Draw in Men’s Soccer
Additional Resources
- AL.com: Dog Went Crazy, Fatally Attack
- Wikipedia: Dog Attack
- WBRC: Blount County Dog Attack
- Google Search: Dog Attack Safety
- WVTM: Second Deadly Dog Attack
- Google Scholar: Dog Attack Statistics
- ABC 33/40: Public Health Officials Urge Caution
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Dog Behavior
- CBS 42: Deadly Dog Attack Claims Grandmother
- Google News: Dog Attack
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
