8-Year-Old Seriously Injured By Pit Bull Mix

Shortly after 2:15 p.m. on February 12, an 8-year-old girl from Dewey, Arizona suffered serious personal injuries when a family member’s 3-year-old pit bull mix “Knuckles” attacked her.

Officers responded to Yuma Regional Medical Center East Campus about an hour after the attack to investigate a dog bite report. Upon their arrival at the scene, they learned that the girl and her family were visiting a grandparent in Prescott Valley, Arizona. The girl was playing in the residence when the dog apparently ran to her and bit her on the face.

Family members were able to get the dog to release the girl with verbal commands, but she had already suffered serious facial injuries. The attack is believed to have been unprovoked.

The girl received transport to YRMC for treatment for severe facial wounds. She was then flown to Phoenix Children’s Hospital, where she underwent surgery. She reportedly will require several more surgical procedures to repair damage caused by the attack.

The incident report said that the dog has not shown aggressive behavior prior to the attack. The girl was reportedly in fair condition and remained in the hospital.