Mom protects 6-year-old daughter during attack by pack of dogs

FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. — A woman is recovering from a terrifying dog attack.

She said she was walking with her young daughter when she was mauled by five pit bulls.

The woman and her 6-year-old daughter were walking home in their Bunnell neighborhood Sunday night when the dogs attacked.

"When we got there, all five dogs were … I didn't even see the girl at first, all we could see in the ditch was the five dogs," said witness Kelly Maxwell.

Maxwell said when she and a neighbor heard screaming, she said found a pack of dogs mauling Brandi Bookamer, 31.

Deputies said Bookamer was protecting her daughter, who escaped the attack at Holly Lane and Mahogany Boulevard.

"I said it was the hand of God that took the kid away from the situation, that the dogs didn't turn and get her, because I don't think she would have survived," said Maxwell.

Bookamer suffered dozens of puncture wounds and lacerations.

After an ambulance ride to a nearby hospital she was then flown to Halifax with non-life-threatening injuries.

The dogs were seized by animal control officials, who said the animals did not act aggressive.

At the home where the five dogs were removed some neighbors said the dogs have been aggressive in the past. One neighbor said he has been chased on his bicycle, but was never bitten.
   
"Then I would stop and chase them away. They would run away from me when I would run at them," said neighbor Paul McMahon.

"They've chased me in my car before. Many times. Several times," said neighbor Renee Vaudreuil.

James Hays, the owner of the dogs, was not home, but spoke to Channel 9's Blaine Tolison over the phone.

"They've never bit nobody before, but yes they have been out on the road before," said Hays. "I hope everything turns out OK, and I apologize to the girl who got bit."

The Flagler County Sheriff's Office is still investigating the incident. No charges have been filed.

Channel 9 has been told that the owner has agreed to have the dogs euthanized, except for two, that he says were not involved.

Animal control representatives said that no decision will be made until its investigation is complete.

WFTV