Florida: Three year old visiting grandma has his ear nearly ripped off by her "nanny dog"

FLORIDA -- A toddler is in the hospital recovering from surgery after being attacked by his grandmother’s dog.

The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office said the dog may have bitten into the 3-year-old child’s skull and his ear was nearly ripped off.

It happened in East Palatka on East Warren Avenue. The boy was flown to Gainesville for treatment.

“I honestly kind of think it’s a freak accident. I’ve never really seen the dog out and about. She usually has it in a kennel or on a leash and she’s very, very good about being on top of her grandkids,” said neighbor Travis Murphy.

That grandmother told the sheriff’s office she was babysitting her grandson and he was playing with toy trucks on the floor next to her pit bull when the dog attacked.

Capt. Joseph Wells said the boy’s grandmother told deputies her dog had bitten one of her grandchildren before, but there was no record of it.

“So that’s indicative that it was not reported to the sheriff’s office,” said Wells.

While that dog sits in quarantine at animal control, Murphy said his thoughts are with the boy.

“I just hope he’s alright and makes a good comeback. I hope the family, it doesn’t take a big toll on them. Because this is one of those things – bad timing, freak accident. He shouldn’t have to suffer for it,” said Murphy.

Wells said your dog will not automatically be taken away if you report it’s bitten someone as long as the dog is vaccinated and animal control determines it can be secured at your house without endangering you or your neighbors.

Wells said investigators don’t know right now if the dog's shots are up-to-date.

(actionnewsjax.com - Jan 18, 2016)