Unusual fatal dog attack in Dunedin, New Zealand

Abstract

A case of a fatal dog attack on a middle aged woman is presented. The offending dog was her own Bullmastiff, which had previously shown signs of aggression towards her. Most of the injuries were found on the victim’s face, neck and skull. A noteworthy feature of this attack was that the victim was known to suffer from Huntington disease. It is postulated that the involuntary movements, progressive dementia and increased moodiness characteristic of the disease may have had a significant role in triggering the attack.