10-year-old boy attacked by big dogs in South Seattle

A 10-year-old boy who climbed over a 6-foot fence into a neighbor's yard Saturday afternoon to retrieve a ball was seriously injured when three of four bull mastiff dogs attacked him, biting him on his arms, neck and head.

Seattle police Detective Renee Witt said the boy, who was playing in his yard with two brothers, 11 and 7, had taken a garbage can to help him climb over the fence. Once over it, he was immediately knocked down by one of the dogs.

At first, Witt said, the boy thought the dog was being friendly, but then two more dogs came over and began to maul him.

"He has some very bad injuries," Witt said. "The officer described the injuries as large gashes to his head and his throat — one of the dogs went for his throat — a possible broken arm and puncture wounds."

One of the boy's brothers ran into their home to get their uncle, who was watching the boys while their mother was at work. The dog owner also responded, and two of the dogs, both females, backed off, Witt said. But the male dog continued to maul the boy. "The homeowner had to basically pull the dog off the kid."

Medics with the Seattle Fire Department took the boy to Harborview Medical Center for treatment of his injuries, which police said were deemed to be non-life-threatening. Seattle Animal Control impounded the dogs.

"This is a learning situation for everyone," Witt said. "You just don't go into other people's yards, especially when there are dogs."