In a tragic incident on January 15, 2025, 62-year-old Gladys Anthony was fatally attacked by three dogs in her backyard in the Walnut Park neighborhood of St. Louis.
The dogs had escaped through a hole in their owner’s fence. Anthony’s 73-year-old husband sustained injuries while attempting to protect her. The community is now calling for accountability and justice for the grieving family.
Incident Details
Around 11:40 p.m., Anthony was in her backyard when the three dogs attacked her. Her husband intervened, firing gunshots to deter the animals and using a broom to fend them off. Responding to the gunfire, police arrived to find the couple under attack.
Officers used pepper spray to disperse the dogs and provided first aid to Anthony, who was barely conscious and heavily bleeding.
She was transported to a local hospital but succumbed to her injuries during emergency surgery. Her husband suffered multiple bite wounds but chose to seek medical treatment later.
Community Outcry
Residents of the Walnut Park neighborhood are expressing frustration over the lack of charges against the dogs’ owner.
The St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office cited a “lack of evidence” as the reason for not filing charges. Neighbor Carrie Shirley remarked, “It is terrible; I feel for her family. The owner really should be charged. The owner should be held responsible.”
Another resident, Phyllis Savage, shared her concerns about the prevalence of stray and unsecured dogs in the area, recounting an incident where pit bulls entered her yard and threatened her own dog.
Official Response
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department arrested the 54-year-old owner of the dogs on February 5, recommending involuntary manslaughter charges.
However, the Circuit Attorney’s Office declined to file charges due to insufficient evidence. The City of St. Louis Department of Health confirmed that the three dogs involved in the attack have been euthanized.
Call for Information
The Circuit Attorney’s Office is seeking additional information to strengthen the case. They urge anyone with knowledge of the dogs’ history or prior incidents to come forward.
Community leaders emphasize the importance of public cooperation in ensuring justice. Mary Davis, Board of Public Service Committeewoman, stated, “I’m really glad he is taking his time doing it until he gets some real concrete evidence.”
Contact Information for Tips
- Circuit Attorney’s Office: 314-622-4941 or email info@circuitattorney.org
- Crimestoppers: 1-866-371-8477 (anonymous tips with potential cash rewards)
- St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department Detective: 314-444-0001
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Victim | 62-year-old Gladys Anthony |
| Date of Incident | January 15, 2025 |
| Location | Walnut Park neighborhood, St. Louis |
| Circumstances | Attacked in her backyard by three dogs that escaped through a hole in their owner’s fence |
| Injuries | Fatal injuries leading to death during emergency surgery; her 73-year-old husband sustained multiple bite wounds |
| Dogs’ Owner | 54-year-old male; arrested but not charged due to lack of evidence |
| Community Response | Residents demand accountability; concerns raised about unsecured dogs in the neighborhood |
| Official Actions | Dogs involved have been euthanized; authorities seek additional information to potentially file charges |
The tragic death of Gladys Anthony has deeply affected the St. Louis community, highlighting concerns about public safety and responsible pet ownership.
As authorities continue their investigation, the cooperation of the public is crucial in ensuring justice for Anthony and preventing similar incidents in the future. The community’s collective efforts aim to honor her memory and uphold neighborhood safety.