A North Carolina community is mourning the loss of an elderly woman who died after being attacked by three dogs outside her home, as authorities have now arrested the dogs’ owner and charged him with involuntary manslaughter.
Betty Alston, 84, was found dead in her yard on Alston Road in Chatham County after family members say she was attacked by three dogs identified as two Cane Corsos and a bulldog mix. According to investigators, a relative arrived at the scene and found the dogs near Alston’s body, forcing him to drive them away with a gardening tool.
Following an investigation and a ruling by the medical examiner that Alston died from injuries sustained during an animal attack, authorities upgraded charges against the dogs’ owner, 32-year-old Dennis O’Keith Faulkner. He now faces a felony involuntary manslaughter charge in addition to six misdemeanor charges related to allowing dogs to roam at large and vaccination violations.
District Attorney Jeff Nieman described the incident as an “unimaginable tragedy,” stating that Alston’s death has devastated her family and the community. Prosecutors argued during a court appearance that the fatal attack could have been prevented if the dogs had been properly restrained.
Investigators say concerns about loose dogs connected to Faulkner had been raised before. Records show deputies responded to previous dog-related incidents involving animals owned by Faulkner, including reports of dogs roaming freely in the neighborhood. Authorities said he had previously been warned about local animal control laws requiring dogs to be confined to their owner’s property.
Neighbors had reportedly expressed concerns about dogs running loose, creating safety issues in the area. Prosecutors noted that this was not the first time Faulkner had been accused of failing to keep his dogs under control.
The three dogs involved in the attack were seized by authorities and remain in the custody of the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office as the investigation continues. Officials have indicated that additional charges could still be filed.
Family members remembered Alston as a beloved woman who was active in her church and charitable organizations. Loved ones described her as someone who enjoyed gardening, cooking, and traveling, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and community service.
The tragic case has renewed discussions about responsible pet ownership, dangerous dog regulations, and the importance of enforcing animal control laws before preventable tragedies occur.
