Child hospitalized after dog attack

http://www.myfoxorlando.com
Updated: Thursday, 06 Aug 2009, 11:03 PM EDT
Published : Thursday, 06 Aug 2009, 7:29 PM EDT

APOPKA, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) -- Two children are recovering from a dog attack which happened in Apopka just before 5 p.m. on Thursday.

One child, a three year old boy, was transported to Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children with severe bites to the face and chest and is undergoing surgery.

The dog, a female German shepherd named “Cujo,” was chained up in the front yard of a home located at 1127 Robinson Ave.

The children were playing outside when the dog attacked.

Orange County Animal Services took the dog, which according to county records, had attacked the same child a year ago.

The dog is under a 10 day quarantine.

An investigation is underway and citations could be levied against the parents.

German Shepherd Bites Boy, 3

http://www.cfnews13.com
Friday, August 07, 2009 6:14:32 AM

08/07/09 - A 3-year-old boy (left) undergoes emergency surgery after he was bitten by a dog.

APOPKA -- A 3-year-old boy is recovering from surgery after he was bitten by a dog belonging to his uncle Thursday night.

Investigators said the dog, a German Shepherd, was chained to the front of a home on Robinson Avenue, but for some reason went after the boy.

“My brother did not do anything,” said Marashia Favors, the boy’s sister. “All of the sudden, the dog, with his teeth, grabbed my brother. He dragged my brother and started biting him in the face. I’m pulling my brother away from this dog, and this dog is, like, attacking my brother.”

Favors said things could have been woe if she did not act quickly.

The boy was taken to Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, where he underwent surgery for severe dog bites.

The dog was taken to Orange County Animal Services.

According to Animal Services, a dog is three times as likely to bite while it is confined on a chain. Experts said dogs on a chain tend to act more territorial and aggressive.

Charges are pending the results of an investigation. Members of the Florida Department of Children and Families and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office were at the home early Friday morning, but they did not say what they were looking for specifically.

The boy’s family said he was doing a little better Friday morning following the emergency surgery.

It is illegal in Orange County to have a dog chained between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Investigators could be looking into what time the German Shepherd bit the boy.

A first offense to the dog chain law would cost the owner $265, while a second offense results in a mandatory court appearance.