Michigan: Sheriff says 20-month-old baby attacked by pit bull while in foster care

Update to story: The father of the little girl, Nevaeh, filed a lawsuit naming the child protection workers as well as the foster parent, Mary Matthews, for putting his daughter in harm's way -- knowing this pit bull was "frequently" brought to the house by Matthews' boyfriend, Anthony Lince.

"Michigan: Her 'cheeks are missing:' Pit bull mauls young girl in foster home, lawsuit says"


MICHIGAN -- A 20-month-old baby is in the hospital after being attacked by a dog.

The incident happened Thursday morning at a home in the Village of Alanson.

“It was definitely a shock considering it's a peaceful neighborhood and everyone's pets seem friendly around here so it's unfortunate but it was definitely a shock,” said neighbor Dwight Carson.

Emmet County Sheriff Pete Wallin says 20-month-old Nevaeh Genna was attacked by her foster parent's boyfriend's pit bull Thursday morning.

Nevaeh was taken to McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital and then - because her injuries were so severe - she was then airlifted to DeVos Children’s Hospital in Grand Rapids.

Her face and jaw were severely damaged in the attack. She had surgery Thursday afternoon and is now in recovery.

The family tells us that Nevaeh has been in foster care since her mother died last year at 18-years-old from complications with diabetes. The family also tells us they are in the process of getting custody back in July.

The dog has been taken into custody and put in quarantine.

This incident remains under investigation.

A year later, the little girl is still
facing surgeries to fix her face

(UpNorthLive - May 21, 2015)