Patricia Sorensen displays her scars after being attacked by a pit bull dog on February 17 in Kirbyville.

By JoAnna Osburn
The Banner
    Judge Susan Ratcliff decided the fate of an aggressive pit bull dog that viciously attacked a Kirbyville woman last month.

Judge Ratcliff order the white and black pit bull to be euthanized by the Jasper Animal Hospital on Friday, March 13.

Testimony at the court hearing conducted in Kirbyville revealed the dreadful moments Patricia Sorensen experienced during the attack.

Sorensen, owner and operator of the Belli Deli, which is south of Kirbyville, was attacked by the pit bull dog as she was attempting to open a door at the restaurant.

The victim took the stand on Friday and described what happened in the moments leading up to the attack.

Answering questions from District Attorney Steve Hollis, Sorensen stated that Ricky Byrd, owner of the dog, was employed by her husband and done handy man work around the business and home. She also indicated that Byrd’s wife, Amanda Byrd, visited him at work frequently and would always bring the pit bull with her but would leave him in the truck. Sorensen also discussed how she had only seen the animal outside of the truck one time and it was on a leash.

Sorensen described to the judge and those sitting in the courtroom that she had went to her home, located just a short distance from the café, and was returning to the restaurant when the attack occurred. She indicated that Ricky Byrd and her husband were at the restaurant when she left and that she was gone for about 30 minutes. As she walked back to the café she noticed that Amanda Byrd had arrived at the restaurant. Sorensen testified that another friend had also pulled into the driveway and she did not notice if the dog was in the truck at that time.

As Sorensen walked on the front porch of the business the dog hit the door of the business from the inside. Sorensen described how the door automatically popped open and the dog began attacking her, first biting her face. She gave the court graphic details of her impression of what happened in the next few seconds indicating that the dog knocked her glasses off and that she could feel blood all on her face. At this time the pit bull released and then bit her again on the back of her neck just barely missing a main artery.

Sorensen took a brief moment to describe how a person at the scene had placed her right check in a container with ice. She also indicated that Ricky Byrd got the dog off of her and placed it in the truck.

When asked how long the attack lasted Sorensen indicated, “A couple of seconds.”

Sorensen recounted that an ambulance arrived at the scene and transported her the CHRISTUS Jasper Memorial Hospital.

Since the attack, which occurred on February 17, Sorensen has undergone two major operations including a skin graft to reform the right side of her face, which doctors were not able to re-attach.

Sorensen indicated that she had to drink everything from a straw and that she had to take very small bites when eating due to the damage to her face and jaw. She also stated that if she does not get any infections in her wounds that she would be as close to normal as possible in about eight months.

Also in the courtroom were Ricky and Amanda Byrd, both in handcuffs and chains. Both Byrds were offered a time to ask the witness questions and they denied. Near the end of the hearing, Amanda Byrd stated, “Just put him (the pit bull dog) down.”

Ricky Byrd also stated, “We are not contesting anything.”

Amanda Byrd was arrested in connection with the dog attack on Wednesday, March 11. She is being charged with attack by dog causing serious bodily injury and an unrelated charge of theft by check. Her bond was set at $52,500.

Ricky Byrd was arrested on Thursday, March 12 on unrelated charges including failure to maintain financial responsibility, expired registration and failure to appear. His bond was set at $1,500.

Also testifying on behalf of Patricia Sorensen was Lt. Bob Walker.

Lt. Walker identified pictures for the judge and described what he had seen upon his arrival. Walker also suggested that the dog was still very aggravated when he arrived and even tried to attack officer through the window of the truck.

Also in the courtroom was Sheriff Mitchel Newman, who indicated after the hearing was over, that the dog would be put to sleep as soon as possible. He also stated that when the dog was transported to the Jasper Animal Hospital he was only handled by Ricky Byrd, who had a double-handed grip on the animal.

Sorensen’s family and friends have set up an account at First Bank and Trust in Kirbyville. A friend representing the Sorensen family said that all donations would be greatly appreciated. Donations will be used to help pay for mounting medical bills related to the attack.