Roswell girl survives dog attack

NEW MEXICO -- An 11-year-old girl from Roswell is in the hospital after being attacked by pit bull mix dogs.

The girl was playing at a friend’s house when a ball was tossed into a neighboring yard. She hopped the fence to get the ball, and was attacked by two dogs that were inside.

 

The girl’s family members said the dogs bit and ripped her shoulder and hand and punctured her thigh, and said she was taken to a Lubbock hospital for surgery where she will remain for several days. They said her spirits are high.

“I talked to her last night and she tells me, mee maw, don’t worry, I’m just like you, I’m a tough old bird…she’s gonna be okay,” said Janice Finley, the girl's grandmother.

After the dogs attacked the girl, the owners immediately pulled the dogs off and contacted officials.

The girl’s family said they don’t blame the owners, and that they understand it was an accident, but her grandmother said it highlights the importance of properly training pit bulls.

“I’m a firm believer in dogs, I love dogs, every size, shape and kind, but they have to be socialized,” Finley said. “They can’t tell somebody is in their space, to hurt somebody or take something, or are just like my granddaughter, trying to get a ball.”

Animal Control said that these aren’t bad dogs – it is just important to remember that they are territorial.

 

“If your dog does not know a person coming up onto the property, stuff like that, it’s going to address that person,” said Roswell Animal Control Officer David Allen. “In the sense that, this is my property, you’re invading it, and they will lash out on that.”

Finley said the girl’s other family members are in Lubbock with her and she is doing okay.

“She’s a trooper, you’d have to meet her…but she’s really great,” Finley said.

(KOB.com - Oct 2, 2012)