Child attacked by pit bull recovering, family says this wasn't first attack

ALABAMA -- The child attacked by a pit bull Wednesday in Tuscaloosa wasn't the first person to be hurt by the dog in question, family members said.

Titus Wilkerson, 9, was attacked while walking home from his bus stop when he was attacked by a neighbor's loose pit bull, according to police.

He underwent reconstructive surgery to re-attach one of his ears, but he also suffered nerve damage to his mouth and it's unclear whether or not there will be an impact on his vision.

The victim's grandfather, Anthony Williams, said it’s a long road ahead. “Physical recovery and psychological, because I'm sure he's going to have a great fear of dogs now. Plus there's going to be some more reconstructive surgeries, I think. Because some nerve damage by his mouth. I mean the dog was, those dogs are bred to fight so that's what they do.”

Family members add the dog has attacked another family member before this incident, and they claim they have called Tuscaloosa Animal Control before.

The dog has been euthanized and is being tested for rabies.

The owners also have another younger pit bull, and animal control officers visited the house again Thursday to remind the family to put that dog in the house or on a leash.

(WVTM13 - Apr 2, 2015)

Earlier:

• Pit bull that attacked 9-year-old boy euthanized in Tuscaloosa