Local Dog Trainer speaks about Cane Corso dog breed following deadly attack in Beulah
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) – A Beulah woman has died after being attacked by her neighbor's dogs.
Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones say it happened around 5 p.m CT on Monday, February 24. Lee County Coroner Daniel Sexton says Patricia Burt, 78, was pronounced dead at 10:21 a.m. CT on February 25, 2025, at Piedmont Columbus Regional Midtown.
Jones say the deadly attack occurred on Lee Road 356. He tod WRBL Burt walked over to visit her neighbor and say hello. When Burt went to hug her neighbor, the neighbor's two Cane Corsos escaped their enclosure and attacked Burt. As Burt's husband and the dog's owner tried to stop the attack, Burt's husband pulled out a gun and shot both animals.
Abby Taylor, founder and owner of Family Dog Obedience and Training in Columbus, has trained Cane Corsos in her home, with her family. She says the Cane Corso or Dog Guardian, is a native mastiff from Italy, a descendant of the Canis Pugnax, or canine soldier used by the Roman Army.
After the war, Cane Corsos became guardians for homes and livestock. Taylor says these guardian dogs are loyal and assertive. While she has no direct knowledge about the dogs in Beulah that attacked Burt, generally speaking, Taylor says guardian dogs need training early on.
'I do a lot of behavior modification work. A lot of that behavior modification work are aggressive dogs. If the dogs had had that early socialization, then it's a very high probability that we would not see that reactivity. Early socialization, especially for guardian breeds like the Cane Corso are very, very important,' said Abby Taylor, owner, Family Dog Obedience and Training in Columbus, Georgia.
Taylor says she likes the Cane Corso for its intelligence and loyalty and that in her experience she has not heard of any attacks in her circle.
As for the two dogs involved in yesterday's attack, they were shot by Patricia Burt's husband. Sheriff Jones calls this a 'horrific, tragic set of circumstances involving neighbors who are friendly.'
In addition to teaching behavior modification in dogs, Family Dog Obedience and Training also trains service dogs.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
16 hours ago
- Yahoo
Auburn Sustenance Project feeds hundreds of hungry K-12 students
AUBURN, Ala. (WRBL) – When school lets out in Auburn, hunger sets in. While most families are planning vacations or sleeping in, hundreds of Auburn City School children are quietly going without meals—because when the cafeteria closes, so does their only reliable source of food. It's a crisis most people don't see. And in a city like Auburn, many don't even realize it's happening. In Auburn, one small act of kindness is growing into something much bigger. The Auburn Sustenance Project began with a question. 'And a student asked, 'Hey, what happens during school breaks in Auburn city?'' said Dr. Caroline Payne-Purvis, faculty advisor for the Auburn Sustenance Project. 'We had just moved here. COVID was wrapping up sort of and so the question was becoming, what's happening normally? There was some, but very little. And so they decided they wanted to adopt a few families for that Thanksgiving.' What began as a class project feeding a few families over Thanksgiving has grown into a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit now serving hundreds of local children during all breaks from school, including holidays. 'We fed over 250 kids this time,' Payne-Purvis said. 'Our highest summer numbers are usually about 150.' Now, the need is greater than ever—and so is the call for volunteers. 'The project welcomes anyone,' said Katie White, a member of the Auburn Sustenance Project. 'You don't realize how impactful something can be. I feel like people don't think you can do it yourself, and people don't think that Auburn is in need. But the need is great. And the impact, organizers say, is real. 'From the high school senior who is taking care of her younger siblings now because she was able to get them out of foster care,' Payne-Purvis said, 'to the mom who was able to get out of, you know, rough situations because she was able to get food and be able to put the down payment on a deposit for a rent.' White added: 'Because I know we're not the final answer, but we might be like a little band aid to help them get through a hard time.' Their next food packing and distribution event is scheduled for June 18 at First Baptist Church of Auburn. Packing begins at 1 p.m. and distribution runs from 5 to 7 p.m. Volunteers of all ages are welcome, and no sign-up is required. To donate, volunteer, or learn more, visit the Auburn Sustenance Project on Facebook. Monetary donations can also be made via Venmo @AuburnSustenanceProject. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Axios
3 days ago
- Axios
Dog surrenders are soaring at Denver Animal Shelter
If you've been thinking about adding a four-legged friend to your family, now's the time. Why it matters: Denver Animal Shelter is overwhelmed and needs help from the community. The big picture: Dog surrenders at the shelter are up 237% compared to the same period in 2019, Westword reports. Meanwhile, the shelter said Wednesday it's seeing a "disturbing increase" in "extremely emaciated" animals, especially dogs. It's "difficult to determine" what's driving the trend, staff veterinarian Claire Vaiden tells us. By the numbers: As of Wednesday afternoon, roughly 50 dogs were available for adoption at the shelter. Zoom in: Here are five cuties who stole our hearts (and dozens more are waiting to steal yours): Sneffles, age 3 (70 pounds) This gentle English Setter mix adores being near her people and finds comfort in quiet companionship. She's not a fan of felines, so she'll do best in a cat-free home. Crestone, age 5 (30.4 pounds) This French bulldog may be considered a senior by shelter standards, but her heart is "as young as a pup's." She loves exploring and is looking for a companion who "shares her zest for life." Sashay, age 1 (54 pounds) If her smile isn't enough to sell you, her loving spirit will do the trick. This standard Poodle mix is "the kind of dog who quietly steals your heart and never lets go." Azul, age 6 (64 pounds) This Cane Corso mix thrives on gentle affection. Win his trust, and he'll blossom into a loyal companion. He's looking for a calm home with kids ages 10 and up who respect his boundaries. Loki, age 3 (52.8 pounds) This Border Collie mix is a handsome ball of energy who loves fetch and long walks. He's best suited for a home with older kids who can keep up with his zest for life.
USA Today
3 days ago
- USA Today
Former Notre Dame All-American Bobby Taylor speaks to football team in South Bend
Former Notre Dame All-American Bobby Taylor speaks to football team in South Bend Former Notre Dame All-American Bobby Taylor returned to South Bend and gave a speech to the football team Tuesday, the Fighting Irish posted on social media. The cornerback, who played for the Irish from 1992-94, spoke to the team about the transition to the NFL. Taylor works as a football operations strategic advisor for the league. Taylor recorded five interceptions with the Irish, earning consensus All-American honors in 1994. He was drafted No. 50 overall by the Philadelphia Eagles, where he spent the first nine years of his career. Taylor finished third in defensive rookie of the year voting in 1995 and was a Pro Bowler in 2002. He finished his time in the pros with a season with the Seattle Seahawks. During his pro career, Taylor finished with 384 tackles and 19 interceptions. Irish star running back Jeremiyah Love is projected to be the current team's highest pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
