FOX6 News speaks with 17-year-old girl injured in pit bull attack

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- A 17-year-old girl sustained injuries to her arms, a leg and shoulder area after being attacked by a pit bull Monday, September 23rd. Witnesses say a quick-thinking neighbor did what he had to do to save the teen. Now, the girl's medical expenses are climbing, and paying for her treatment will be tough, as the girl has no insurance.

Emily Albasini says she has 47 puncture wounds in all after a neighbor's pit bull attacked her as she walked near 78th and Grantosa on Monday evening.

"I was walking through the alley. I walked my friend to the bus stop. I didn't see the dog or nothing but I heard real close barks behind me.and when I turned around he just attacked me," Albasini said.

Neighbors heard Albasini's screams and came to her aid.

"I was trying to get it off of me but I couldn't. That's when the neighbors came over with shovels and sticks," Albasini said.

When a neighbor attempted to stop the dog with a shovel, his son obtained a .45 caliber handgun, and shot the dog once. The injured dog was taken to the Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Commission. The dog was later euthanized.

Albasini says she feels bad the dog was euthanized, but is now focusing on healing.

"It's going to take two months for it to completely heal and I have to get surgery after it heals," Albasini said.

Albasini's grandmother changes her bandages and treats her wounds four times a day. She says she is concerned about the mounting medical bills.

The bandages and prescriptions have already cost more than $100, and Albasini's father is working to get her on an insurance policy.

"I can barely move my arms and bend over. I can walk perfectly fine but my upper body, my arms and stuff," Albasini said.

Albasini says the lesson she learned in the alley is one she will now share with others.

"To watch their surroundings, be careful walking through alleys," Albasini said.

The family says they will pursue legal action so the dog's owner can be held responsible for the medical bills.

The owner of the pit bull was issued a citation for allowing an animal to run at large, and two additional related citations.