Today, we are saddened to add Karen Nelson to the ever expanding list of innocent souls taken by pitbulls kept as pets.
Karen was well known in her community and cherished 💕as an active, kind, loving person who helped others. She loved pickleball and was an avid cyclist.
One evening, Karen was enjoying a bike ride 🚴 around the neighborhood when a pitbull managed to break free of its leash. Police have not released specific details about the situation, but in their statements, they repeatedly referred to the pitbull getting free of or breaking its leash. The pit then fatally mauled Karen.
At first, the owners attempted to go through the courts with a hearing and full investigation. This is a common behavior from pitbull owners when their dogs 🐕 maul someone and reflects the concentration of toxic personalities in the pit community.
Facing charges and potential prism time, the owners then relented and surrendered the attacking dog to be dispatched.
Justin Conroy and Ashley Maclean were later arrested and charged with owning a dangerous animal.
Ashley was walking their pitbull on a leash while pushing a baby in the stroller when their pitbull attacked. The warrants stated that both owners already did or should have known their dog was a risk.
You can read more about their arrest here:
In memory of Karen, we would like to share statements from her good friend and her son-in-law:
“I’m having a hard time. She was one of the best people I ever knew. She never met a stranger. She always made you feel good. She was just a phenomenal person. And it was just a horrible thing that happened.” -Mary, her good friend
“Karen was incredibly involved in the church here in Florence. With her different groups with pickleball and cycling. Had a huge group of friends. She was a loving mother, grandmother. And she’ll be missed. She was a talented and beloved music teacher here in town, as well.” -William, her son in law
RIP 🪦 Karen. You were a dear friend, 👩 mother, grandmother, and a wonderful asset to your community. You deserved a peaceful and respectful passing after a well lived life. Someone’s “pet” not only tortured you, but stole your final passage from this earth. We will not let you be forgotten. We will not let your name fall away after the headlines are shared.
Respectfully,
JL DBA Editor ✍️
News article:
Parents for Dog Bite Awareness 
Leave a comment