An 8-year-old girl is recovering after being attacked by a dog in Hollywood on Friday afternoon, and the incident was captured on video.
According to Hollywood Police, on Friday, at around 2:17 p.m., officers received reports of a dog bite in the 1800 block of Funston Street.
Once at the scene, the 8-year-old girl was found, and she was taken to Memorial Regional Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Police said the dog was secured by Broward County Animal Control.
In the surveillance video obtained exclusively by NBC6, it appears to show the child returning home from school with her mother when they spot a neighbor’s dog nearby.
Moments later, the pit bull breaks free from its leash and chain and lunges at the girl, biting her in the face, according to Hollywood Police.
The dog’s owner, who is seen in the video trying to pull the animal away, said he was also injured during the attack.
“He bit me inside the ear; his teeth got in the ear because I’m trying to hold her, but he’s trying to get to her,” the man said. “I think he really got me in the arm below the elbow, and when I fell down the stairs, I hurt my leg and hurt my head.”
The owner, who asked not to be identified, said he is disabled and a veteran. He described his 5-year-old pit bull as protective but not typically aggressive.
“That was totally out of character,” he said.
He told NBC6 the dog and the neighbors had met before without incident.
“The dog slipped out while I tried to help her out,” he said. “I asked them not to move — they didn’t move, the dog didn’t do anything. But the screaming agitated the dog.”
The owner said he feels remorseful about what happened and has decided to surrender the dog to a shelter.
“I believe he was just trying to protect me,” he said. “I can’t take that chance anymore. His protection of me could hurt somebody else, and I couldn’t live with that.”
NBC6 reached out to the girl’s family, but there was no answer at their home.
Broward Animal Care said that the dog was euthanized and will be tested for rabies. They are met with the dog’s owner and are working to make contact with the victim and a witness.
The investigation remains active.
Why Choose Ovadia Law Group for Dog Bite Claims?
Choosing the right law firm after a dog bite is essential. At Ovadia Law Group, we combine legal expertise with a client-first approach to deliver exceptional results. Our attorneys understand the complexities of dog bite claims and work diligently to maximize your recovery. We believe in clear communication and aggressive representation to protect your interests. When you choose us, you gain a dedicated advocate who will fight for your best outcome. Call 1-800-674-9396 for a free consultation and discover why so many clients trust Ovadia Law Group.
Source: nbcmiami
