Stories of animals attacking children strikes fear in the hearts of all Illinois residents. In a horrific event in a nearby state, a pit bull reportedly attacked a toddler and allegedly bit another boy was attempting to separate the two. The smaller boy may lose his left eye due to the attack. He faces several operations due to multiple cuts and lacerations.

The 3-year-old was transported to McLaren Hospital and later to Royal Oak Beaumont Hospital, due to the severity of his injuries. His family states he is still in critical condition. The 8-year-old boy, bitten on both of his hands as he attempted to pull the attacking dog off the smaller boy, required several stitches.

A neighbor who lives across the street from the scene of the incident said a friend had asked him to dog-sit while he went to work. He had the dog for four days until the man was fired. He never noticed any symptoms of aggression or viciousness.

When the family of the 8-year-old took an interest in the dog, he decided to sell it to them for $50. He confirmed the 8-year-old boy had been playing with it before he sold it to the family.

Although the man was at home at the time of the attack, he claimed he didn’t hear any noise or screaming until emergency vehicles arrived.

Other children in the neighborhood, who were relatives of the boy, told him the toddler had been attacked by the pit-bull.

In the state of Illinois, dogs should be leashed and not allowed to roam free. Children should feel safe playing in their neighborhood. When dog bites involving a child take place, the consequences can be deadly. If your child is bitten or attacked by a dog, you may be entitled to compensation as the dog’s owner may be held liable for any bodily harm or injuries the dog caused. It is in your best interest to seek help to inform yourself of the law and to protect your rights.

Source: Detroit Free Press, “3-year-old could lose eye after pit bull attacks 2 boys, police say” Katrease Stafford, Apr. 24, 2014