ST. LOUIS – Last month, 62-year-old Gladys Anthony was attacked and killed in her backyard after three dogs escaped through a hole in their owner’s fence.

Anthony’s husband was also injured but survived.

The dogs responsible for a deadly mauling in the Walnut Park Neighborhood have since been euthanized, but many in the community say justice has yet to be served.

“It is terrible; I feel for her family. The owner really should be charged. The owner should be held responsible…. I know because I have that type of dog; I have to be more responsible for my dog,” nearby resident Carrie Shirley said.

Other residents are speaking out, frustrated that the dogs’ owner has not been charged. The St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office said charges will not be filed, citing a “lack of evidence.”

“I heard those dogs had got out numerous times and had animal control called on them numerous times,” Shirley added.

Board of Public Service Committeewoman Mary Davis says stray and unleashed dogs are a constant issue in the neighborhood. She even called animal control twice last summer about pit bulls roaming the streets. Many residents believe the dog owner should be held accountable.

“The fact that owners of the dogs were not charged with anything, you know what I’m saying, in this woman’s death, I think it’s very sad,” another neighbor, Phyllis Savage, said. 

Savage recalls when pit bulls broke into her fence in her backyard.

“They got into my backyard. Three pit bulls were about to attack my dog. So, it’s a lot of stray dogs. I don’t want to say nobody owns them, but they don’t keep them secure,” she said.

Now, the Circuit Attorney’s Office is asking for the public’s help, urging anyone with information about these dogs or prior incidents to come forward.

“I’m really glad he is taking his time doing it until he gets some real concrete evidence. You know it’s a shame that he’s already been reported, but if no one comes up and stands on that, it would put the attorney in a bad place,” Davis added.

If you have any information about the case, you can contact the Circuit Attorney’s Office at 314-622-4941 or email info@circuitattorney.org.

If you wish to remain anonymous and possibly receive a cash reward, you can contact Crimestoppers at 1-866-371-8477. Tips can also be submitted to a detective with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department at 314-444-0001.