ALEXANDER, Arkansas — In a heartbreaking incident on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, 15-year-old Makayla Fortner lost her life after being attacked by a pack of dogs she was compassionately caring for on a private property in Saline County, Arkansas.
Makayla and her mother had been feeding and tending to approximately 30 to 40 neglected and starving dogs when the tragedy occurred around 12:15 p.m. Deputies responded to a 911 call and, upon arrival, encountered a chaotic and dangerous scene. A Saline County deputy fired warning shots to scatter the dogs before discovering Makayla’s lifeless body.
For months, neighbors had raised concerns about the dogs, describing them as vicious and a threat to public safety. Many local residents expressed fear for their children and pets, stating that the dogs had been roaming freely and aggressively in the area. Officials had acknowledged the concerns but cited a lack of animal control resources in the county.
Following the fatal attack, authorities euthanized 14 of the most aggressive dogs. The remaining animals were seized by Benton animal control, and a full investigation is underway by the Saline County Sheriff’s Office. The exact cause and circumstances of the attack remain under review.
Makayla was a vibrant student at Bryant Public Schools, known for her kind heart, bright smile, and love of soccer. Friends and family described her as someone whose compassion extended to both people and animals, a young girl with a selfless spirit and a deep desire to help those in need.
In the wake of this tragedy, a GoFundMe campaign launched in her honor raised tens of thousands of dollars to support funeral costs and her grieving family. The incident has reignited community calls for stronger animal welfare enforcement and public safety measures.
Makayla Fortner’s memory will live on through the lives she touched and the light she brought to those around her. Her death is a devastating reminder of the urgent need for action to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
