‘Just blood everywhere’, a neighbor prevents potentially deadly dog attack

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) – A woman mauled by several pitbulls is recovering, but the story does not stop there.

Wilmington Police says they rescued 31-year-old Mary Hinson from a pit bull attack Wednesday night. Police say the woman attacked was not allowed to enter the home. Security camera footage from a neighbor shows Hinson and another woman approach the home in an SUV around 10:00 P.M.

Security Camera footage showing Ginley and Hinson’s friend running to the home (Contributed/WWAY)

Soon after Hinson walked into the home, the other woman drives around the circle, stops, and then runs to Thomas Ginley who was sitting on his porch across the street.

“Once I get inside the door, I see five dogs around this girl,” Ginley said. “She’s laying on the ground or on the floor. There’s just blood everywhere on her and they’re all biting, nipping at her.”

Ginley tried to fight off the dogs.

“The biggest one lunged at me, got my arm,” Ginley said. “Basically all I could do at that point was keep talking to her try and make sure that she’s still conscious she lost consciousness a few times.”

Bite wounds on Ginley’s arm (PHOTO: Thomas Ginley)

Hinson was unconscious and had multiple bite wounds. Once officers arrived they tased the pit bull, causing it to retreat, giving them the chance to get to Hinson. EMS transported Hinson to New Hanover Regional Medical Center where she underwent surgery. Police say she is in stable condition.

During the investigation, officers learned Hinson did not have permission to be on the property from the owner, Sherry Spivey, who is currently in jail.

Neighbors tell WWAY’s Andrew James they’ve called police about the dogs and suspicious activity at the home several times. Neighbors are calling Ginley a hero for stepping in.

Ginley simply hopes this incident will result in a change.

“This is a terrible incident to have happened. But hopefully it cleans out that house and all the problems that it has had in the past two years.”