A Milwaukee toddler is recovering after being attacked by a dog in Racine County. The police report that the child was at home with his mother and her boyfriend when he was reportedly seated on the kitchen floor and given a cookie. The dog bite injury appears to have occurred when the dog went after the cookie in the toddler’s mouth. The dog was pulled off of the toddler by his mother, and the child was taken to Children’s Hospital to recover.
The police reported that the animal was an abused dog that was known not to be friendly to children. Reportedly, this is not the first time the dog had bitten someone. In 2009, the dog was reported to have bitten its owner in the hand, an injury which required stitches. Neighbors also stated that the dog had been aggressive in the past. The dog itself is owned by a 54-year-old woman who lives with the toddler’s mother as well as her two sons.
One neighbor reported that they had seen the dog go after children previously. The neighbor stated that the dog’s mouth would have to be manually opened to set the children free. The dog has been surrendered for euthanasia at the Wisconsin Humane Society Countryside Campus.
The woman who owned the dog and lived with the toddler’s mother may have been aware that the dog was dangerous. The dog had previously bitten her and had reportedly displayed aggressive behavior around the neighborhood. This means that the mother of the toddler may be able to pursue a personal injury case with the aid of a personal injury attorney to recoup any medical costs as well as compensation for her child’s pain and suffering. The woman could potentially be found criminally negligent if she was aware of the risks.
Source: Fox11, “Toddler attacked by pit bull”, Bret Buganski, June 07, 2013
