BENWOOD, WV -- A Benwood child is recovering in a Pittsburgh hospital Thursday after authorities say a pit bull mix bit him. The incident happened on Monday, and now, Marshall County Magistrate Court is determining whether they need to issue an arrest warrant for the owner.
The condition of the 7 year-old boy is unknown at this time, but the county administrator said the pit bull mix is being held in the Marshall County animal shelter until the case moves forward.
Marshall County Sheriff John Gruzinskas said the incident happened on the owner's property in Benwood on Monday. Few details are being released about what happened at this time, but humane officers submitted a criminal complaint to magistrate court.
County Administrator Betsy Frohnapfel said Marshall County does have a vicious dog ordinance in the county. It is not breed specific; however, there are many rules to follow.
"The first one is without provocation, killed or inflicted injury on a person, the second is killed or inflicted severe injury on a domestic animal, horse or livestock when the dog is not on the owner's property and the third is approach a person when not on the owner's property in a vicious or terrorizing manner," Marshall County Administrator Betsy Frohnapfel said.
"It's very tragic about this. It's just that children gravitate towards pets, have no fear that this animal might do them harm. That's just so tragic that a child trusts those animals to be as loving as they are, and unfortunately they aren't," Marshall County Sheriff John Gruzinskas said.
Sheriff Gruzinskas believes the behavior of a pit bull is the reflection of the owner. He feels a lack of training could lead to a dog becoming vicious.
The Benwood Police Department began the investigation, but asked the county's humane officers and sheriff's department to get involved.
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