by Miami Gardens, FL – Tragedy struck Monday morning when a 72-year-old woman was fatally attacked by dogs in Miami Gardens, authorities said. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the deadly incident, which has left the local community shocked and mourning.
The Incident
Miami Gardens Police responded to a call shortly after 7:30 a.m. in the area of Northwest 14th Court and Northwest 196th Terrace, reporting an unresponsive woman. Upon arrival, officers found the elderly woman with multiple apparent dog bite injuries.
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue crews pronounced the woman dead at the scene. At the time, her identity had not been immediately released, but family members later identified her as Doreen Broadbelt.
Community Reaction
The incident left neighbors and friends in deep distress. Anthony Varone, a longtime resident, said, “Upsetting, you know, I never, you never think that it’s gonna happen, you know, right here. And then it’s an elderly lady, she lived her whole life and then this happens to her, you know? It’s sad.”
Broadbelt, according to family and friends, walked to her job at Walmart every morning. They described her as a caring and independent woman whose life was tragically cut short.
“Everybody hurting, our friends are hurting, her husband hurting, her stepson hurting,” one friend said.
Prior Encounters with the Dogs
Broadbelt’s family revealed that this was not her first encounter with the dogs. She reportedly carried a stick for protection against them during previous incidents. Some residents believe the same dogs may have been responsible for other violent encounters in the neighborhood.
Varone also reported spotting a cat carcass nearby that had been ripped apart, which he suspects was killed by the same dogs. He criticized the apparent negligence, saying, “Make sure the dog doesn’t get out, it happens too many times, and then what happens, everybody with an animal gets the bad rap, it’s not right. It’s negligence beyond belief.”
Community Concerns
Residents expressed concern over the presence of stray or uncontrolled dogs in the area, particularly because of children and schools nearby.
Ken Nedd, another neighbor, said, “A number of times that I’ve come in I’ve had that experience, where dogs are all over, I have to stay in my car until they move.”
The tragic attack has heightened worries about public safety in Miami Gardens, prompting calls for more stringent measures to control stray animals and enforce responsible pet ownership.
Police Response
According to NBC Miami, Miami Gardens Police confirmed that the dogs and their owner have not yet been located. Authorities are actively investigating the incident and have urged residents to report any sightings of the animals.
Investigators are working to determine the exact circumstances of the attack, including whether the dogs were strays or belonged to a local resident. Police also aim to assess whether prior complaints had been filed regarding aggressive animals in the neighborhood.
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Safety Measures and Precautions
While the investigation continues, officials are reminding residents of key safety measures regarding dogs:
- Avoid approaching unknown or aggressive dogs.
- Report stray or dangerous animals to local authorities.
- Teach children safe practices around animals.
- Secure pets properly at home to prevent incidents.
The tragic loss of Broadbelt underscores the potential danger posed by uncontrolled animals and the importance of public awareness and responsible ownership.
Remembering Doreen Broadbelt
Doreen Broadbelt is remembered by her family and community as a resilient, independent, and caring woman. Her untimely death has left a void in the lives of those who knew her and serves as a grim reminder of the need for vigilance when it comes to animal safety in residential areas.
“This shouldn’t have happened to anyone, especially someone elderly and innocent,” a neighbor said. “We hope the authorities find the dogs and ensure this doesn’t happen again.”
The tragic dog attack in Miami Gardens highlights the importance of neighborhood safety and responsible pet ownership. Share your thoughts and safety tips, or join the conversation about this incident, by commenting on ibwhsmag.com.
