Address:http://www.sunone.com/articles/2001-08-22g.shtml Aug 22, 2001

Toddler recovering after attack by pit bull

LAKE WALES — A 2-year-old was in fair condition Tuesday recovering from
injuries suffered in an attack by a pit bull that was later killed.

Summer Henson was being treated at St. Joseph’s Hospital for deep
puncture wounds of the neck, bites on her arm and leg and scrapes and
bruises from being dragged.

The dog, named Roscoe, jumped through a window and broke out of the
porch to escape the house where he was being confined. He then burrowed
under a fence and ran free through the neighborhood on Sunday, animal
control officers said.

Summer was among a group of children playing outside.

Witnesses said Roscoe grabbed Summer by the neck and began dragging her
down the street. Relatives heard the child’s screams and an aunt’s
Rottweiler ran to the child, scaring Roscoe away.

A neighbor and Steve Coleman, who was taking care of the dog, shot
Roscoe, said Michal Shanley, spokeswoman for the Polk County Sheriff’s
Office.

Roscoe was already considered a dangerous dog because he had bitten
someone else. Owner Marie Lessler was to keep the animal in a secure
area. The dog had been staying at Coleman’s house until Lessler built a
pen for him.

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