Teenager hospitalized with severe dog bite wounds, charges pending against mother, police say
By Greg Ng, Tommie Clark
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BALTIMORE (WBAL) — A mother could face charges after a 17-year-old girl suffered severe dog bite wounds Sunday, Baltimore police said.
City police said officers were called around 3:37 a.m. to a house in the 1500 block of Mullikin Court in East Baltimore for a report of a dog attack in progress.
Police said the teenager was taken to a hospital and the dog was seized by animal control.
Investigators said the teenager got into a fight with her mother when the mother commanded her pet, a pit bull, to attack the girl.
“I can’t even fathom that. There’s no excuse for that,” one nearby resident said.
“It’s sad, like I said. So close to home, because I live right there,” said Jackie Howard, another nearby resident.
Police said officers took the mother into custody and she was taken to a hospital for treatment of minor injuries.
“Not surprised. Anything goes on down here,” Howard said.
Another resident said they are surprised, though.
“I’ve never heard about anything like that, not down in this neighborhood, no,” the resident said.
“That’s horrific. I can’t believe that. It’s words that can’t even explain that,” one person said.
Police said charges are pending upon her release from the hospital, but nearby residents remain disturbed by the news.
“Let alone animal cruelty, it’s cruelty to your child. There’s no excuse for that. You suffer the consequences. I just hope the child is OK,” a resident said.
In a statement on the status of the dog, the Baltimore City Health Department said:
“The dog involved is currently being held at the shelter for investigation and quarantine. If an owner does not come forth within 72 hours, the dog will be humanely euthanized. If an owner does come forward and wishes to reclaim the dog, an administrative hearing will be scheduled to determine the final disposition of the animal.
“Our program investigates all bite cases to determine the appropriate next steps. We are in the process of gathering additional details about the incident and the reported injuries in preparation for a possible hearing.”
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