Toddler mauled by pit bull

http://www.thetruecitizen.com

By Elizabeth Billips
September 9, 2009

Officers are looking for the owner of this female pit bull, which is being held at the Waynesboro animal shelter. Anyone with information is asked to call 706- 554-8029 or leave an anonymous message on the crime tip hotline at 706-554-8021.

A 2-year-old was hospitalized after she was attacked by a pit bull outside her Pilgrim Way home.

According to Waynesboro police investigators, Brishonna Marshall was playing catch with some other children Saturday afternoon when the ball rolled into a nearby wooded area.

When Brishonna tried to retrieve it, she was mauled by a pit bull that had been chained to a tree.

"She was bitten eight or nine times," investigator Claude Wade said. "Mostly on her arms and legs."

Brishonna was rushed to MCGHealth Medical Center where she still remained Tuesday afternoon. Hospital spokesperson Denise Parrish said she was listed in good condition.

Though no one has come forward to claim the pit bull, investigator Wade said there are definite indications that someone was keeping it in the woods and caring for it.

While officers continue to search for an owner, the dog is being held at the Waynesboro animal shelter where workers say she appears friendly and mild mannered.

"She doesn't seem like a dog that would attack someone," one employee said as she licked his hand.

Workers say the dog appeared dehydrated and slightly malnourished when they picked her up Saturday. Her back and flanks are mottled with scabs and scars they believe are secondary to dog fighting or possible abuse.

Police don't know what set the dog off but say the attack was so brutal the pit bull was covered in the child's blood when they found it.