On December 9, 2015, at approximately 8:00 pm officers responded to the 500 block of Baltimore Annapolis Blvd in Severna Park for an “animal incident.” Upon arrival, officers learned a 5-year-old boy was attacked by a dog that had been adopted from the Anne Arundel County Animal Control Facility earlier in the day. Family members advised the child was playing with the animal when they heard the dog make a noise. The family members entered the room and observed the dog biting the child’s face and head. The child was transported to an area hospital with non-life threatening, yet serious injuries. Animal Control responded to the scene took custody of the animal and euthanized it that evening.
Prior to adopting out this dog, Animal Control staff followed established safety protocols. Following this incident, the County will be reviewing best practices in other jurisdictions to ensure a safe process. After hearing of the incident Police Chief Timothy Altomare said, “I can’t imagine the anguish this family is going through, during the holiday season. Our thoughts and prayers go out to them. And we will do everything within our power to prevent a reoccurrence of this tragic incident.”
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