Family Wants Answers After Dog Attacks Toddler
By: Jocelyn Tovar, KARK 4 News
Updated: January 28, 2013
Doctors estimate he was bit by the dog four times in the face and head, but say he'll be okay.
His parents tell us they think law enforcement needs to do more.
"He had blood all down his face and it immediately scared her," said Brandee Butler whose two-year-old daughter Chloe was with her two-and-a half-year-old son Brayden when he was attacked by a dog Friday afternoon.
The two played in their front yard when a neighbor's Labrador Retriever came over, like it had so many other times without any incident, but this time was different.
"Turned my back for two seconds and when I turned around he was on top of him," said Butler.
The children's mother said the dog was allowed to go back to its owners, her neighbors, and that officers only said they "lived down the street".
"If my kids can't even be safe in their own yard," said Butler. "Then there's a problem."
Brayden was rushed to a nearby medical center where it took ten stitches to close the puncture wounds on his face.
Despite his injuries, the toddler is in high spirits and his mother said it's difficult to look at his sweet face.
"It's like heart break," Butler said. "And I'm furious at the same time."
Now that the family has processed the terrifying ordeal, Brayden's parents question how the case is being handled.
London police have been unavailable for comment, to both them, and the media .
"At least I should be notified whether he has rabies," said Butler, "Or if he's [the dog] being treated or not."
The Butler's said they'll be getting more involved in the upcoming days and will look into the possibility of changing their small towns leash laws.
Neighbors told KARK this was not the first violent outburst from this dog.
We'll continue to follow any new developments.
His parents tell us they think law enforcement needs to do more.
"He had blood all down his face and it immediately scared her," said Brandee Butler whose two-year-old daughter Chloe was with her two-and-a half-year-old son Brayden when he was attacked by a dog Friday afternoon.
The two played in their front yard when a neighbor's Labrador Retriever came over, like it had so many other times without any incident, but this time was different.
"Turned my back for two seconds and when I turned around he was on top of him," said Butler.
The children's mother said the dog was allowed to go back to its owners, her neighbors, and that officers only said they "lived down the street".
"If my kids can't even be safe in their own yard," said Butler. "Then there's a problem."
Brayden was rushed to a nearby medical center where it took ten stitches to close the puncture wounds on his face.
Despite his injuries, the toddler is in high spirits and his mother said it's difficult to look at his sweet face.
"It's like heart break," Butler said. "And I'm furious at the same time."
Now that the family has processed the terrifying ordeal, Brayden's parents question how the case is being handled.
London police have been unavailable for comment, to both them, and the media .
"At least I should be notified whether he has rabies," said Butler, "Or if he's [the dog] being treated or not."
The Butler's said they'll be getting more involved in the upcoming days and will look into the possibility of changing their small towns leash laws.
Neighbors told KARK this was not the first violent outburst from this dog.
We'll continue to follow any new developments.
Comments
There is not a "treatment for rabies in animals". For an accurate diagnoses of rabies in a animal is a testing of brain tissue. This can only be completed after the death of the animal.
Chris C.
January 28, 2013 at 12:41 pm
Why would you let a dog that is not your own be around your young children? Why would a parent "turn my back" on her children with a dog near her children that is not their dog? Yes the family needs to know everything about this dog for medical reasons.
William S.
January 28, 2013 at 11:08 am
