3-Year-Old Attacked by Dog on Marco Island

Dogs are not always man’s best friend. Even service dogs, who are trained to help people, can attack others.

This recently happened in Florida. A 3-year-old girl was hospitalized after she was bitten by a dog at their family’s restaurant on Marco Island.

On the afternoon of November 2, Marco Island police officers responded to a call of a child being bitten by a dog at Red Rooster Restaurant on San Marco Road. Officers saw the girl being carried by her mother with her face covered by a rag. Collier County EMS arrived on the scene and the girl was later airlifted to Gulf Coast Medical Center.

The girl had asked the owner of the dog if she could pet the dog. The owner agreed to let the girl pet the dog after he finished eating. The dog is a Belgian Malinois and also a service dog,

The girl reached out and pet the dog, which turned its head toward her and bit her in the face.

She and the dog were immediately separated.

The girl had reconstructive surgery on her face and is fortunately now out of the hospital. She started talking again a few days after the incident.

Animal control is currently investigating the situation and has been conducting a dangerous animal investigation. Collier County Code Enforcement states that the dog was properly licensed and vaccinated.

Children and Dog Bites 

Children are among the most common victims of dog bites. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than half of all dog bite injuries occur in children under the age of 14, with the highest risk group being ages 5 to 9.

Children are typically bitten on the face, neck, or hands since they are closer to a dog’s level. Many of these incidents happen in familiar settings and they often involve a family pet or a dog known to the child. While some bites are minor, others can cause severe injuries, infections, or lasting emotional trauma.

Parents can reduce the risk of dog bites by teaching children basic safety rules:

• Never disturb a dog that is eating, sleeping, or caring for puppies.
• Ask permission before petting someone else’s dog.
• Stay calm and still if approached by an unfamiliar or unleashed dog.
• Avoid rough play, pulling tails or ears, or hugging dogs tightly.

Supervision is critical, no matter how friendly a dog may seem. Even gentle dogs can react defensively to sudden movements or loud noises from children. Early education about dog behavior, combined with responsible pet ownership and proper training, can help prevent many dog bite incidents.

Contact Us Today

Dog attacks can result in serious injuries, especially for young children. The girl in this case is lucky to be alive after being bitten in the face.

A Bradenton dog bite lawyer from Cahall Law Firm can assist you if you or a member of your family has been hurt by a dog bite in Florida. Schedule a consultation with our office to learn more. Call (941) 281-2019 or fill out the online form.

Source:

gulfcoastnewsnow.com/article/dog-bite-attack-girl-marco-island-hospital/69277539