Pit Bull Mauls Child


5/2/2007
Steve Reed, Reporter
www.dunndailyrecord.com

A 7-year-old Bunnlevel girl who suffered more than 200 bite marks when her brother's pit bull dog attacked her Sunday evening was scheduled to be released today from the University of North Carolina Hospital in Chapel Hill.

The girl was identified by Harnett County Animal Control as Kenlie Thomas of 2166 Thompson Road.

Kenlie's stepfather, Tom Still, said they were temporarily watching the 1-year-old male dog named Chopper when the incident happened. Chopper belonged to Kenlie's 20-year-old brother, Phillip.

"The dog was friendly and had never been a problem," Mr. Still said.

"We had let him out of the kennel to exercise a little bit when it happened."

Mr. Still said Kenlie was riding a battery-operated, motorized vehicle and the sound of the motor apparently upset the dog, prompting the attack.

Harnett County Animal Control Supervisor Tino Medina said the Harnett County Sheriff's Office dispatched his officers to the scene. Mr. Medina said it took 50 to 60 staples to close the wounds inflicted by the dog.

Kenlie was taken to Betsy Johnson Regional Hospital and then transported to UNC Hospitals.

The dog is quarantined, awaiting euthanasia, at the animal shelter.

The owner does not want the animal returned, Mr. Medina said.

Mr. Medina said he does not anticipate any criminal charges in the incident.

Kenlie was fortunate. A 3-year-old Anderson Creek boy was killed in January 2004 by a white pit bull terrier mix.

Nathan Hill of 86 Doris Drive was attacked when he wandered into a neighbor's yard. The dog, weighing between 80 and 90 pounds, was tethered on a 30-foot chain. No charges were brought against the owners.

Nathan's mother was found not guilty in Harnett County District Court of misdemeanor non-assaultive child abuse.