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.
"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.
(Florida Today - Dec 30, 2011)
