Bullmastiff Rips Off Little Girl's Ear
Neighbor had to stab the dog to save 7-year-old
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Bullmastiff in Spain.
A 7-year-old girl nearly become dog food after being attacked by her neighbor's large bullmastiff.
The little girl was bitten on the head and several other parts of her body Wednesday evening in her Coral Gables neighborhood while she was riding her scooter just a few feet from her home.
It took another neighbor's quick actions to save the girl, who was trying to fend off the dog.
Police said John Christiansen stabbed the dog, which forced it to retreat, and then the neighbor tied it to a tree. The dog was euthanized Thursday.
The little girl's father said the dog ripped off her ear and dragged her several feet. The dog also bit her on the neck after she removed her helmet, he said.
At a weight of nearly 150 pounds and a stout physique, bullmastiffs are considered gentle giants, so it's unclear what may have sparked the attack.
No criminal charges are expected to be filed in the case, but animal services is investigating the incident.
The unidentified girl is at Miami Children's Hospital recovering from her injuries.
Posted Thursday, Mar 18, 2010 - 4:25 PM EST
