Seven-year-old girl mauled by stray dogs in Corning
A seven-year-old girl, Patricia Edmiston, was left with severe injuries after a pack of stray dogs attacked her while she was playing outside near her home in Corning, California, approximately 170 miles southwest of San Francisco. The attack occurred on Saturday at around 12:30pm, according to the Tehama County Sheriff's Office.
The child had her 'scalp ripped off' and her legs 'shredded' in the terrifying ambush. She was 'fighting for her life' while being rushed to UC Davis Medical Center for 'advanced treatment', about 100 miles south of Corning.
Six dogs seized by police; investigation ongoing
The Tehama County Sheriff's Office confirmed that six dogs believed to be involved in the attack had been seized by police and taken to the Tehama County Animal Shelter. An investigation into the incident is ongoing. Currently, it is unknown what breeds the dogs were or who might have had ownership of them.
Police did not initially name the victim, but she was identified publicly by her grandmother, Monica Edmiston. She created a GoFundMe for the family, detailing on the page how her 'precious' granddaughter has been 'left with numerous wounds all over her body'.
Family faces financial strain; fundraiser exceeds goal
The fundraiser added: 'She was rushed to UC Davis, where she has already undergone surgery and remains in critical condition. Patricia is an incredibly strong little girl, and her resilience is inspiring everyone around her.' With her 'father and brothers by her side every day', the family now faces 'enormous challenges'.
Monica explained that they must sleep in their car in Sacramento to be close to the hospital, requiring financial help to 'cover basic necessities like gas and food', since UC Davis is about 100 miles south of Corning. 'The emotional and financial strain is overwhelming, and every bit of support will make a real difference for them during this unimaginable time,' she pleaded.
The target for the fundraiser was originally set at $3,000. The total has since exceeded $4,000.
Updates on Patricia's condition
Monica has continued posting on the website, keeping donors updated on Edmiston's condition. On July 1, she uploaded photos of the little one lying in bed, wearing a pair of colourful pyjamas as she played with toys. She had a huge bandage around her head and a cast on her left arm.
Monica penned: 'Patricia is doing so good she gets to come home on Thursday. Patricia and her family would like to thank everyone for their prayers, thoughts, and donations. The love the town of Corning showed was overwhelming. God bless you all.'
Police investigation continues
Police processed the scene and have interviewed several witnesses. No arrests have been made almost a week later.
