Pa. girl, 6, suffers facial injury in dog attack

January 20, 2004|by DON AINES

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. - An attack by a dog on a 6-year-old girl Sunday is being investigated by Pennsylvania State Police and state Dog Law Enforcement Officer Georgia Martin.

"When I talked to the mother this morning, the little girl was home," Martin said Monday afternoon.

The girl was taken Sunday to Chambersburg Hospital for treatment of bite wounds to her head and face, police said.

"The dog is on quarantine at this time at the Humane Society," Martin said.

Although the dog's rabies vaccinations are up to date, Martin said state law requires the animal be quarantined to make sure it does not have the disease.

Police said the attack occurred at a home on Surrey Drive in Hamilton Township before noon. The girl lives nearby and was visiting the house and playing with other children inside when she was attacked by the pet dog.

She was taken to the hospital by a family member, police said.

Martin said the dog is a German shepherd-akita mix.

Trooper Joseph Davidson said no charges had been filed as of Monday. He said the girl was receiving treatment at the hospital Sunday evening and he described her injuries as serious.

Davidson said the police would investigate with Martin and consult with the Franklin County District Attorney's Office to determine if charges will be filed against the dog owner.

Martin said dogs, no matter how docile they may normally be, will bite under certain circumstances.

"I always encourage dog owners, when they have guests in their homes, to put the dogs elsewhere," she said.

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