Oklahoma: Little boy mauled by dogs

OKLAHOMA -- A child suffered severe injuries when he was mauled by dogs Thursday at a location several miles northwest of Ada.

The victim, a 5-year-old boy, was apparently playing on the property of his next door neighbor Thursday afternoon just off state Highway 3W. Pontotoc County Sheriff John Christian said the boy was playing in a pen with chickens and goats when the attacked occurred. He said the boy often went over to the neighbor's property to play with the animals.

"This little boy, from information we received, goes over there on a regular basis and feeds the chickens and the goats and stuff," Christian said. "He'd been around these dogs many times, and they'd never attacked him, so we're not sure what led to this issue."

Christian said the boy's mother went out to check on him and discovered a horrific scene. The boy was severely injured and covered in blood. The boy's mother immediately called 911, just before 3:40 p.m.

The family met with Mercy EMS at the intersection of SH 3W and County Road 3510. EMS ran emergency code and asked for dispatch to have a medical helicopter meet them at Mercy Hospital Ada.

The ambulance met with another EMS crew just off Lonnie Abbott Industrial Boulevard in Ada for additional help. Paramedics from Air Evac landed at Mercy Hospital and met with the waiting Mercy EMS.

The victim was flown to OU Medical Center in Oklahoma City and admitted. On Friday, a spokesperson for OU Medical Center said the boy was stable.

Christian said the two dogs belonged to a neighbor. Christian did not release the boy's name, however, a You Caring fundraiser page was created for Jacoby Bennett saying he'd been mauled by dogs.

According to the page, "He is a strong little 5 year old boy and has pushed through but has suffered the loss of both ears, numerous lacerations on his entire body, as well as severe trauma. If you know anything about this family you know that they are the sweetest, most caring people on the planet and wouldn't hesitate to help any of us out in any crisis. Any amount you can donate would be such a blessing for them in this time of need. Thanks so much!"

(The Ada News - Feb 26, 2016)