WTHR |Three-year-old survives dog attack

Three-year-old survives dog attack

Steve Jefferson/Eyewitness News

Indianapolis - A three-year-old girl is recovering from a horrific dog attack after receiving more than 300 stitches.

McKenzie Matthews was inside a friend's garage when a stray Doberman wandered inside.

"She said 'pretty doggie,'" said her father Scott Matthews.

The dog then knocked her down and started biting her face.

Paramedics took the girl to Riley Hospital where doctors put in the stitches. Animal Care and Control picked up the dog that day and immediately launched an investigation.

Animal control officers also talked to neighbors who recall seeing the Doberman wandering the neighborhood. They warn that stray animals, even those with calm temperaments, can be dangerous.

Media Wilson of Animal Care and Control warns against interacting with stray animals.

"You don't know where it came from. You don't know its past. You don't know if it is aggressive or friendly," says Wilson.

McKenzie is understandably shy about her injury, but doctors expects her to make a full recovery. She may need more surgery in the future.

After four days, Animal Control euthanized the Doberman. They had hopes of somehow finding the original owner.

Animal Care and Control

Advice about stray animals

Reporting lost pets - resource for owners and finders

Saving stray animals - Humane Society

 

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