Woman killed in apparent dog attack in Stockton identified

CALIFORNIA -- A woman was killed in an apparent dog attack in an east Stockton neighborhood Thursday night, according to the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Department.

Deputies responded to the 400 block of North Lillian Avenue around 8:19 p.m. after a neighbor reported the attack.

According to the neighbor, who chose to remain anonymous, 38-year-old Claudia Gallardo jumped over the front chain link fence of the property and was attacked by the dog near the rear of the residence.

Deputies arrived and declared Gallardo deceased at the scene.

The dog, a female pit bull/mastiff mix named "Russia", was found in the rear yard of the residence where she was collected by animal control services and impounded at the San Joaquin County Animal Shelter, said deputies.

Gallardo's brother who arrived at the scene of the attack later, said the dog's owner who rents the property, told him he knew Gallardo and the dog had always been nice to her.

The owner of the dog said he was not home at the time of the incident and was not expecting Gallardo.

Neighbors told the Stockton Record they were "saddened and angry, but not surprised" by the attack, having witnessed the dog jump fences to attack other animals and people in the area.

One neighbor said the same dog had attacked her husband previously. She said she informed the sheriff's department but was told there was little authorities could do at the time, according to the Record.

"Russia" is scheduled to remain at the shelter through the duration of the ongoing investigation.

(news10 - Apr 12, 2013)

Earlier:

• Woman killed in apparent dog attack in Stockton identified