"In close to 20 years of service down here, and dealing with multiple dog bites, that was the worst dog attack that I've seen on anyone, adult or child," said Monessen police Lt. James Smith.
Neighbors told Channel 4 Action News the boy was at a friend's house with another boy and the dog owner in the 1400 block of Walnut Avenue when the friend opened the door to get a birthday invitation and the dog, a shar pei mixed breed, ran out.
"The dog was at the door. When the little boy opened the door, the dog darted out, and then he just jumped on the little boy," said one neighbor who did not want to be identified. "At first I thought he was just playing, and then I saw blood and the little boy started screaming."
Several neighbors rushed to help the boy in what was described as a frantic scene.
"Everybody tried to help the little boy, to gain control of the dog, but the dog was too strong for the owner and ripped and broke loose from the owner and continued to attack the boy," said another neighbor who also did not want to be identified.
The boy was bitten in the arm and calf and suffered several puncture wounds. According to a police report, "officers were able to clearly see directly to the bone of the arm and calf," and "there was a very large amount of blood on the sidewalk of (the home) and also on the porch."
The boy was flown to Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. His condition was not being released.
"He handled himself very well. He was very calm. His demeanor was better than anyone else who was up there," said Smith.
Smith said no previous reports involving the dog had been filed. Neighbors said four children live in the home with the dog, and they don't consider it a bad dog.
"It's not like this is the first time that the dog has been around this child. They're always over there. They go to school together," said a neighbor.
An Animal Control officer removed the dog from the home. The dog will be held for 10 days before its future is decided. Police said the dog's license and vaccinations are current.
Police don't expect to file charges.
"As far as our department's concerned, there's nothing that's going to be filed," said Smith. "If the animal control officer has issues with anything, he has the right to file citations."
(WTAE - June 6, 2013)
