11-year-old recovering after being attacked by pit bull-
Girl suffered two broken arms and multiple lacerations

Written by
J.D. GALLOP
FLORIDA TODAY

Child's stepfather talks about pit bull attack: B.A. Lockhart of Titusville discusses a pit bull attack that required medical treatment for his 11-year-old daughter. The dog, named Duke, is scheduled to euthanized. Video by Rik Jesse and Breuse Hickman. Posted Dec. 30,

TITUSVILLE — The father of an 11-year-old girl badly mauled by her friend's pit bull earlier this week says the sixth-grader could be sidelined by her injuries for up to a month as she struggles to recover from multiple bites and fractures to both arms.

11-year-old Trinity Ciolfi was attacked by a pit bull named Duke on Wednesday and admitted to Parrish Medical center in Titusville. Duke (L) is now in quarantine at the Brevard County North Care and Adoption Center in Titusville. Paula Hunter is the Kennel Supervisor.

The attack happened about 5:30 p.m. Wednesday as the unidentified child was leaving a home in the 1400 block of Carpenter Road in Titusville when the 50-pound adult dog - who has no record of vaccinations - broke loose from its tether.

"He got out of his collar. She was scared for her life...she was thinking she had to block her face while it was on top of her," said Allen Lockhart, the stepfather of Trinity Ciolfi.

"She just kept screaming."

The girl was rushed to Parrish Medical Center with two broken arms and multiple lacerations caused as she struggled in vain to keep the dog from biting her. A large chunk of flesh from one arm was also ripped away by the dog, officials reported.

Trinity Ciolfi, 11, was rushed to Parrish Medical Center in Titusville with two broken arms and multiple lacerations caused by an attack from a pit bull. For FLORIDA TODAY

"Right now she's just in a lot of pain. She can't do a whole lot on her own," Lockhart said.

The dog, named Duke, was signed over to the county by the owner, Robert Grafing, after law enforcement agents and animal services officers arrived, reports show.

Investigators plan to fine the owner and have the 50-pound canine euthanized.
“She was over visiting and was leaving when it happened,” said Sgt. Chris Robinson of Brevard County Animal Services.

“She was alone and was getting on her bike and the next thing she knew, (Duke) is attacking her. The dog was tied to a tree and somehow broke free. The owner heard the cries and got the dog off of her,” Robinson said.

The dog is now under a 10-day quarantine at an animal shelter. Animal services investigators also quickly determined that the canine has not been vaccinated as required by law. “He didn’t have anything, no shots,” Robinson said.

Robinson said investigators will ticket Grafing for not having any current rabies shot, for failing to secure the dog and for an attack leading to severe injuries. The dog does not have a previous history of attacks, Robinson added. An investigation into the attack is ongoing.

The girl continues to recover from her injuries.

Pit bull attacks 11-year-old Titusville girl

Duke is in quarantine at the Brevard County North Animal Care Center.

article

By Margaret Kavanagh, Reporter
Last Updated: Saturday, December 31, 2011 11:19 PM

TITUSVILLE — An 11-year-old girl is recovering after she was attacked by a pit bull.

The animal apparently got loose while it was tied up in a neighbor’s yard.

Trinity Ciolfi, 11, underwent a 2.5-hour surgery after suffering four fractured bones and serious wounds to her arms.

She is now home with her family after spending several days in the hospital.

Ciolfi’s stepfather Brett Lockhart told News 13 the girl was riding her bike home from a friend's home when the pit bull attacked her.

Her friend pulled the dog, named Duke, off the girl.

Lockhart said he was shocked by her injuries.

"When we were on our way to the hospital, she went into shock,” Lockhart said. “I ended up having to carry her into the hospital. So once they removed the wrapping, I was blown away. I didn't think an animal could cause that much damage."

Duke’s owner said he has never been aggressive in the past.

He said the family has owned him for about 21 months.

The owner said they have the kids who live in the house and Duke has never displayed any aggression towards them.

On Saturday night, Duke was in quarantine at the Brevard County North Animal Care Center.

He will be euthanized next week.

"I love animals,” said Brevard County North Animal Care Center Kennel Supervisor Paula Hunter. “I take care of animals. But to see an animal injure a person or even another animal in that magnitude, it's heartbreaking. The severity of the attack was very intense and totally unprovoked."

Lockhart said his stepdaughter dreamed of becoming a veterinarian.

"The first couple of nights she would wake up screaming 'get off me, get off me. Dog get off me,'” Lockhart said. “She had a lot of bad dreams, but she is getting better."

Ciolfi’s family said she is improving, but will likely have permanent scarring. Her family fears how this will affect her psychologically.

"I don't mean to be gross but her arms looked like, essentially hamburger meat," Lockhart said.

The dog’s owner is expected to face fines.

Animal officials said he turned the dog over to authorities immediately after the attack.

Ciolfi’s family set up a Facebook account for her and working to raise awareness about dog attacks.

They are hoping to plan a fundraiser for her in the near future.