A pit bull on the loose bit and scratched several students at a North Carolina elementary school on Monday, as they attempted to flee from the animal, according to reports.
As children tried to run from the dog, it bit seven of them.
Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools said in a statement that the injuries were not life-threatening and no paramedics were called to the scene.
The dog initially went into the school’s playground area, prompting school staff to escort children inside the building.
But the dog followed and “chaos” ensued.
“Some of the children were frightened and were reacting by running and making noise,” Animal Care and Control said in a statement. “The canine then became overstimulated by this reaction and began to jump on and bite some of the children. A teacher was able to confine the canine.”
Melissa Knicely of Animal Control said at a later press conference that the dog was more “hyperactive” than aggressive.
“I believe if that was the case, the level of the bites would probably be more severe than what they are,” Knicely said. “It was probably one of those things where it was playing, it was jumping up...and it started biting at the legs and things like that.”
The dog will be quarantined because the law requires a 10-day quarantine after a human is bitten.
However, it appears no criminal charges will be filed against the owner.
Authorities said the owner provided documentation that the dog’s rabies vaccinations are up to date.
They located the owner using the pit bull’s collar.
The owner was visiting the area from Fayetteville and was described as cooperative.
The dog is 10 years old, around medium size for a pit bull, and named “Bro.”
If an animal is not on a leash, there must be an adult (18 years or older) “immediately next to the animal and the animal responds to direct verbal commands of the person,” the law states.
“All regulations aim to protect the health and safety of our citizens. Please be a responsible pet owner and abide by the law. Violations will be investigated and stiff fines may be applied. Fines range from a $50.00 citation for the first violation and up to a $500.00 citation and permanent seizure of the animal for a fifth violation.”
Friends Read Free