Pit bulls attack child

MARYLAND -- Two people, including a 6-year-old child, were attacked by two pit bull dogs Friday, June 6, according to Dorchester Sheriff James Phillips Jr.

The attack occurred at a home at 3239 Robbins Road where the child had been visiting for about a week, Phillips said, and the dogs had shown no aggression to the child, according to others living there.

The child was sitting near Nicole Shorter, 37, when another person entered the room where they were and the dogs began attacking the little girl, according to information provided to officers of the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office called to the scene along with Dorchester County Dog Control officers and Dorchester County EMS.

One of the two pitbulls that mauled a 10-year old girl in Dorchester is
in custody at the Boston Animal Control Shelter in Dorchester in 2000.
Photo Credit: Boston Globe

Shorter was injured trying to stop the two dogs from attacking the child, who had severe bites on her head, face, arms and legs, Phillips said. Shorter suffered bites to her legs.

The child was flown in a Maryland State Police helicopter to Johns Hopkins trauma center for treatment. Shorter was transported to Dorchester General for treatment of her injuries.

The child lost more than 60 percent of her scalp because of the dog attacks and required 80 stitches to her head and face, according to authorities, who said she also suffered lost tissue trauma on her abdomen, legs and arms.

The girl is currently listed in stable condition awaiting several surgeries to repair the wounds.

The dogs were taken into custody by Dorchester County sheriff’s deputies and dog control personnel. Both dogs were euthanized for rabies testing by the state health department.

(The Star Democrat - June 11, 2014)