A 27-year-old woman from Antigua is recovering after a horrifying dog attack just days before she was set to graduate from the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus.
Shabo Nedwell was reportedly visiting a family home on Saturday afternoon when four pit bulls belonging to her aunt suddenly attacked her. According to relatives, Nedwell was in the living room speaking with her uncle when the dogs rushed out from the hallway and mauled her without warning.
“She sustained injuries on her legs, hands, and half of her lip is gone,” a family member told Antigua News Room. “This could have been the end of her life.”
Despite her severe injuries, Nedwell managed to drive herself to the hospital, where she received stitches to her leg and lip. Doctors have since advised that she will require reconstructive surgery once her wounds heal.
Family members say the pit bulls had been a recurring source of concern. Neighbors had reportedly complained multiple times about the dogs’ aggressive behavior.
“There have been several complaints because they like to rush at people and nothing has been done,” one relative said, adding that the dogs’ owner — Nedwell’s aunt — allegedly removed the animals from the property after the incident.
Neighbors reportedly intervened to pull Nedwell away from the dogs during the attack, which could have turned fatal.
Nedwell, who had recently completed her Bachelor of Science in Accounting, had been preparing to celebrate her academic milestone this weekend. However, her injuries have left her unable to attend the ceremony.
“She cannot walk, barely talk, she can barely eat, and she is traumatized,” her cousin said.
The family is calling on authorities to locate and remove the dogs to prevent further attacks. Police have not yet confirmed whether an investigation is underway.
