Teen attacked by pack of dogs leaves girl severely injured

A 17-year-old girl in Newberry Springs, California was mauled by more than ten large dogs during a morning jog, leaving her with serious injuries and prompting questions about animal control.

Teen attack by pack of dogs leaves girl severely injured

Tracy Hurtado, a 17-year-old student, was jogging in Newberry Springs when she was attacked by more than ten large breed dogs around 6:30 am on July 17. She was taken to the hospital and treated for injuries across her body, including more than 500 stitches. A neighbor heard her cries and called emergency services as her mother arrived at the scene. Tracy has begun a long recovery and faces months of medical care.

Police later said 61-year-old Craig Simmons was arrested in connection with the attack after surveillance near his home on August 13. Authorities also noted that 16 dogs had previously been seized from the same area and that the animals involved were not fenced or leashed at the time. Simmons faces a charge of owning an animal causing serious bodily injury or death. A GoFundMe page to cover Tracy's medical costs has raised about £35,000 toward a £40,000 goal.

The incident reveals a broader set of risks around animal control and owner responsibility. When a morning jog becomes a scene of violence, it raises questions about how communities monitor large breeds, enforce leash laws, and fund local shelters. The case could push policymakers to reexamine liability rules for owners and the resources available to prevent such attacks. For Tracy's family, the trauma echoes beyond physical injuries, highlighting the long road of recovery and the social costs of sudden, violent events.

Highlights

The road to recovery is long and the community will watch for how rules and resources change