Dog-sitting turns into deadly tragedy for young Oklahoma mother

Skiatook, Oklahoma - An Oklahoma family is reeling after a vicious dog attack by their neighbor's dogs killed 28-year-old mother of two Rebecca McCurdy.

Sheila McCallister Meinhardt posted this photo of Rebecca McCurdy and her two children on Facebook.
Sheila McCallister Meinhardt posted this photo of Rebecca McCurdy and her two children on Facebook.  © Facebook/Screenshot/Sheila McCallister Meinhardt

McCurdy, who lived west of Skiatook, Oklahoma with her family, reportedly agreed to look after her neighbor's pets that day.

Officers found the victim that evening after someone called in for help. At the scene, police found McCurdy on the floor of a garage, but it was too late by then. Several pit bulls were reportedly in nearby cages at the time.

Police have not yet released details as to who made the call to 911 or managed to get the dogs back into their cages after the attack.

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The owner of the animals reportedly breeds them as a hobby and also sells them. The dogs were taken into custody by an animal control agency after the attack. According to the local News On 6, deputies have initiated an investigation into the horrific incident.

Autopsy results are pending, which will confirm cause of death and determine if it was just one or multiple dogs that caused her death.

Friends are now fundraising for funeral expenses for McCurdy

At least one pit bull reportedly fatally attacked Rebecca McCurdy.
At least one pit bull reportedly fatally attacked Rebecca McCurdy.  © 123rf/Sunyawit Deesaen

McCurdy's extended family has stepped up to organize a fundraiser to cover expenses for her funeral. Rebecca McCurdy's cousin says that the victim left behind a husband and two young children.

On Monday evening, a donation page was launched by Sheila McCallister Meinhardt, who wrote on GoFundMe: "If you would like to make a donation to help in the future for Rebecca's children anything is graciously appreciated."

So far over $3,600 has been raised on the family's behalf, with more donations pouring in from around the country.

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The catch-all name "pit bull" actually includes a variety of muscular breeds, which were originally bred for bull baiting and fighting. Dog attacks are not limited to dogs of this type, but they are more often publicized, with several deaths reported already this year.

Cover photo: 123RF/Sunyawit Deesaen/Facebook/Screenshot/Sheila McCallister Meinhardt

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