American bulldog severely mauls 55-year-old Independence woman

A 55-year-old rural Independence woman was seriously injured Monday when her 110-pound American bulldog attacked her.

Deputies with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department killed the dog, which was still “actively aggressive” when they answered the call for help in the 27000 block of Heidelberger Road.

Deputies used a tourniquet on one of the woman’s legs. Both her feet were severely damaged, according to the sheriff’s office. Much of her hair was ripped out and most of her clothing was torn off, deputies reported.

The woman was taken to a hospital. The dog’s remains will be tested for rabies.

Independence Animal Control officers said the dog previously had bitten two people.

This story was originally published November 16, 2015 at 3:44 PM with the headline "American bulldog severely mauls 55-year-old Independence woman."