Dog that attacked 9-year-old in Charlotte County has bitten someone before

A 9-year-old girl attacked by a dog in Charlotte County is recovering in the hospital.

The dog belongs to a neighbor and it used to play with Mia, according to her dad Jeremy Sears, who spoke to WINK News.

“He’s never been aggressive around the kids,” Sears said. “I think he just got to really too rambunctious. And I think when my daughter started fighting him off, that’s when he became aggressive. And no longer was a playful circumstance.”

Mia had to get stitches on her head and will have a small scar along her hairline by her temple.

The dog, a pit bull called Milo, has attacked someone before, according to public records.

Public records show that on Sept. 3rd of this year, Milo attacked a salesperson who approached the front door of his home.

The second attack could have been prevented, Jones said.

“You have to check your fence line, that’s really important, but the law is very simple. Just keep your dog and see if we can find are under the care of a responsible person. And had this fence been inspected,” Jones said.

The dog Milo burrowed under his owner’s fence and into the girl’s yard where he latched onto her head. The girl was rescued by her mother Alexis, who was also hurt by the dog.

Milo is now at a shelter in quarantine until Nov. 18, said Brian Jones, division manager for Charlotte County Animal Control.

“That young girl was playing and subsequently attacked her,” Jones said. “The mother came out to see that. And in the process of trying to get that dog off of her child, she was attacked as well so now we have two victims.”

An investigation will decide whether Milo gets to return home, Jones said.

Mia’s mom heard her screaming, Sears said. Sears said she went to investigate the commotion when she saw Milo running around.

“She then saw Milo running around. And then he grabbed her by the top of her head by the left temple,” Sears said.