Mount Pleasant police say nine-year-old girl attacked by dog

MOUNT PLEASANT (WITI) -- Mount Pleasant police say a nine-year-old girl suffered injuries after she was attacked by a loose dog on Sunday afternoon, March 2nd.

It happened in the 1400 block of Rosalind Avenue.

Police say upon their arrival at the scene, they observed a gray pitbull walking in the area. The dog was loose, and did not live on the property where the attack occurred.

Police believe the dog lives in the 3500 block of Sheridan Road.

Police say the girl suffered cuts to her face, as well as a cut and puncture wound to her right leg. The girl told police the dog bit her four or five times. She was treated inside a home by South Shore Fire officials.

The girl told police she was walking with her friend when the dog ran out from between two houses and attacked her.

Police say the girl told them as the dog bit her on the leg, she fell down, and as she tried to get up, the dog bit her on the head.

Police say two witnesses were able to help scare the dog away -- preventing the girl from further attack.

Officers on scene used a dog pole to secure the animal.

The dog is currently in quarantine at the humane society. Follow up will be conducted by the Mount Pleasant Health Department.

The dog's owner was issued a $124 citation for having a dog running at large.

The dog's owner told police the dog is five months old, and does not have its rabies shots.

Neighbors told police this isn't the first time the dog has been loose.

Police say they responded to the Sheridan Road address in October of 2013 for a report of a loose dog that was "active and appeared aggressive."

In this incident, after police say the dog charged at an officer, the dog was shot and killed.

Police say they found illegal drugs on the property -- and a significant amount of drug-related equipment.