All four dogs involved in an attack that seriously injured a woman and a 12-year-old girl have been euthanized, according to Hillsdale County Prosecuting Attorney Jamie Wisniewski.
The number of animals has been updated since a previous release from the Michigan State Police.
Wisniewski said the pit bull-mastiff mixes were surrendered and euthanized July 14, four days after the attack, after consultation with Michigan State Police. Rabies testing is pending in coordination with the Hillsdale County Health Department.
The decision followed a review of preliminary investigative materials and body camera footage, with prosecutors prioritizing the removal of any ongoing threat.
The attack took place off East Mosherville Road. According to police, a local girl was riding an e-scooter when the dogs left a neighboring property and chased her into the roadway. She tried to flee but was knocked to the ground and attacked. MSP wrote her friend, who was riding with her, left the scene for help and was uninjured.
A nearby adult woman, 31, who heard screaming drove to the scene and attempted to intervene. The dogs began attacking her, as well.
The adult victim suffered injuries to her arms, legs and face. The 12-year-old suffered extensive lacerations across her body, including on her arms, under her armpits and on her legs.
The dogs’ owner also responded and helped pull them away from the adult victim, placing them back inside the residence, according to police. The injured child was transported by helicopter to Henry Ford Hospital in Jackson before being transferred to C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor.
Police have identified the dogs as belonging to a couple from Scipio Township. The animals had broken a lock on their outdoor enclosure and escaped. None of the dogs were registered, and only one had documentation of a rabies vaccination, though the date was unknown.
Wisniewski said the case remains under review for possible criminal charges. No charges had been announced as of July 14.
— Contact reporter Corey Murray at cmurray@hillsdale.net or follow him on X, formerly Twitter, at @cmurrayhdn.
This article originally appeared on Hillsdale Daily News: Four dogs euthanized after attacking woman, child in Hillsdale County
Reporting by Corey J. Murray, Hillsdale Daily News / Hillsdale Daily News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Corey J. Murray, Hillsdale Daily News | USA TODAY Network
