The dog was adopted from Raleigh Wednesday night. It allegedly showed signs of aggression as soon as the family brought it home.
The mother of the 20-month-old victim was on the phone with the dog's previous owner when the attack happened.
An animal control unit arrived at both the hospital and the house of the victim, who was taken to New Hanover Regional Medical Center.
Around 12:42 p.m. Thursday, animal control took the dog, a boxer, from the home.
Sgt. Brewer with the NHC Sheriff's Office said according to Lt. Evers with animal control, it's one of the worst dog bite cases they have ever seen.
A WPD told detective told Sgt. Brewer a tooth and part of a gum were found at the scene.
"Every few years, you hear stories about someone's child getting attacked by a dog, so every time, it makes you want to keep a closer eye out, but it won't change how people love their pets," said nearby neighbor Ricky Cobia.
The dog will be quarantined for 10 days. If the owners don't claim it, it will be put down.
(WECT - May 24, 2012)
