Police say a one-year-old child and his grandmother entered a fenced yard Monday night on the city's north side unaware there was Rottweiler present. The 6-year-old dog attacked the boy and severely injured him before the grandmother pulled the animal off. The woman was not injured. The dog is being held at the Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Commission until the investigation is complete.
MADACC Executive Director Melanie Sobel says the legal process will determine if the owner can get his dog back and under what conditions. If the animal determined to be a "threat to society" the canine will be humanely euthanized.
Although the boy was with an adult in this case, Sobel reminds us that small children should never be unattended around a dog. When kids and adults approach a dog it's important to follow some basic rules such extending your hand with a closed fist and let the animal smell it. Most dogs do not like being patted on top of the head, so after the dog complies better to make contact with the chest area. Sobel also recommends avoiding eye contact with the dog initially as the animal will consider it a direct challenge.
As of Monday morning, the child was listed in critical condition.
