Socorro woman in critical condition after dog mauling, daughter seeks financial assistance & witnesses

BY CHERRY TATE

By Help Support My Mother’s Recovery After a Tragic Dog Attack

On September 2nd, my mother, Eva Soto/Kempton, suffered a devastating dog attack that has left her in critical condition. She was torn open from her lower jaw, across her neck, and on her arms as she tried to shield herself. As many of you know, my mother is deaf and did not hear the dog approaching, leaving her in a very vulnerable position when the attack occurred.

A friend of hers witnessed the attack and rushed to help. In the process, the dog turned on him, and he also sustained severe injuries to his legs and arms.

My mother is currently in the hospital, fighting for her life and faces a long, difficult road to recovery. She was transported this afternoon to Albuquerque Presbyterian to be placed in the ICU. Unfortunately, she has developed an infection from the mauling that has caused fluid on her brain and blood clots in both lungs.

After four days at Socorro General Hospital, her condition had worsened—she cannot move, walk, eat, and can barely speak. The injuries she sustained will require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care once she is stable enough to leave the hospital.

Many of you in Socorro know my mother, as she has been a lifelong resident of the city. It breaks my heart to see her go through this unimaginable trauma. While our family focuses on her healing, we are also facing overwhelming financial challenges. Hospital stays, testing, medications, and the specialized care she will need in the months ahead are beyond what we can manage on our own.

I will be doing everything in my power to care for my mother as she begins this long journey to recovery. This tragedy also highlights the urgent need for accountability when it comes to dangerous dogs and their owners. No one should have to endure what my mother is going through, and we hope her story will raise awareness about keeping our community safe.

I live in El Paso and currently do not know whose dog attacked her or whether a report was filed with animal control or the Socorro Police Department. I am looking into the matter to get answers so that no one else is harmed by this dog.

First and foremost, however, is getting my mother stable and safe. We are asking the community for help. Any contribution—no matter the size—will go directly toward supporting her recovery and care. If you are unable to give financially, please consider sharing this fundraiser to help us reach others who may be able to support. Your kindness, prayers, and generosity mean more to us than words can express.

Thank you for standing with us during this difficult time. I was going to post pictures of the injuries but decided to post a picture of her at a better time. Thank you for your support. And if you have any information on the dog attack like if you witnessed it.

Please reach out. Donations can be sent to Cash app $Help4eva.

Socorro County has a deadly history when it comes to dog attacks, and it appears officials have done little to nothing to curb the danger. In June of 2021, Jose Ortega was attacked and killed by dogs in Veguita. There have been numerous complaints in the City of Socorro and as recently as last year a woman suffered a cardiac event when she and her small dog were attacked.