Madison Riley Hull had her whole life ahead of her.
The 23-year-old University of Texas at Tyler student was just months away from earning her bachelor’s degree. She loved life, her mom said. She was kind and fierce and full of light.
On November 28, Madison agreed to pet-sit three pit bulls at a home in Tyler, Texas. Neighbors said the dogs seemed to love her.
Until they didn’t.
NEW: 23-year-old Texas woman mauled to death by 3 pit bulls, just months before earning her bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Tyler.
The woman, Madison Riley Hull, was pet-sitting the dogs when they turned on her.
Deputies say they were called to the home and… pic.twitter.com/GwXlbqdwaN
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) November 28, 2025
The dogs turned on her in the backyard and mauled her to death. When deputies arrived, one pit bull charged at an officer, who had to shoot it just to reach Madison.
She died shortly after. Her mother’s words still echo: “She loved life with her whole heart.”
This wasn’t a case of abuse or neglect. Madison cared for these animals. They still killed her.
Nevada Has Seen Its Share of Attacks Too
While this tragedy happened in Texas, Nevada families know this danger all too well. Las Vegas has recorded multiple serious pit bull attacks in recent years.
In 2023, a 7-year-old boy in North Las Vegas was hospitalized after being mauled by a neighbor’s pit bull.
Just last year, a Henderson woman required reconstructive surgery after two pit bulls attacked her while she was jogging.
And my own dog was recently attacked – including a bite puncture in his chest – by a pit bull at an East Las Vegas dog park even after its owner assured me his pit bull “loves to play with other dogs” before I entered the enclosed area.
These aren’t isolated incidents. They’re part of a national pattern that lawmakers keep ignoring.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Pit bulls make up about 20% of dogs in America. But they account for nearly 70% of fatal dog attacks. Let that sink in.
From 2020 to 2025, pit bulls were responsible for over 346 deaths out of 518 total fatal dog attacks nationwide.
That’s more than all other breeds combined. In 2024 alone, pit bulls killed 52 people — a record high. We’re on track to break that record this year.
German Shepherds? They caused 17 fatalities over 20 years. Huskies? Just 15. The difference is staggering.
Critics love to say “it’s all about the owner, not the breed.” But Madison Hull’s story proves that’s not true.
Good owners with well-socialized dogs still end up dead. In Georgia this November, two elderly pit bull owners were killed by their own dogs within eight days of each other.
Why Pit Bulls Are Different
Pit bulls were bred in 19th-century England for blood sports. They have what experts call “gameness” — an instinct to attack and not stop, even when hurt or commanded.
Their bite force reaches 235 pounds per square inch. When they latch on, they shake and tear, causing massive damage.
They’re involved in 76% of dog attacks requiring reconstructive surgery. Even when they don’t kill, they disfigure.
This isn’t about hating dogs. It’s about recognizing that some breeds are simply more dangerous than others.
We regulate everything else that poses public safety risks. Why not this?
What Works Overseas
Over 30 countries have banned or restricted pit bulls. The results speak for themselves.
Denmark banned them in 2010. Fatal attacks dropped 85%.
The UK banned pit bulls in 1991. Dog bite hospitalizations fell 40% in the first decade.
Australia, Singapore, Finland, Switzerland — they all saw dramatic drops in severe attacks after banning pit bulls.
Even in U.S. cities with breed-specific laws, pit bull incidents drop by 65%.
The rest of the world figured this out. Why haven’t we?
Nevada Should Lead
Governor Lombardo has made public safety a top priority. This fits right in.
Nevada could pass statewide breed-specific legislation that protects families while being humane to existing pets.
Grandfather in current pit bull owners with strict registration and insurance requirements. Stop new breeding and ownership.
It’s common sense. We don’t let people own tigers or alligators in residential neighborhoods. Why? Because they’re dangerous, no matter how well you raise them.
Madison Hull’s death didn’t have to happen. Neither did the attacks in Las Vegas, Henderson, or North Las Vegas.
Every time we refuse to act, we’re choosing pit bulls over people. That’s not the Nevada way. That’s not the American way.
It’s time to put human lives first.
The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Nevada News & Views. Digital technology was used in the research, writing, and production of this article. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
