GRATIOT COUNTY – An 8-year-old boy from Riverdale was flown to Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital on Monday after state police say he suffered 22 bite wounds following an attack by four Rottweiler dogs.
Investigators say the attack happened in the back yard of a home in Seville Township around 5:10 p.m. The child, who state police learned is familiar with the dogs, was attacked while coming over to visit his step-grandmother.
The dogs were in a fenced area in the back yard when state police say one started barking at him, followed by another dog knocking him down and all four dogs attacking.
A 46-year-old man from Crystal, who was working at a nearby construction site, heard the child’s screams for help and responded. The worker jumped the fence to get into the back yard and pulled the child into the house during the attack.
Investigators say the dogs tried to pull the child from the worker’s grasp, continuing into the house after them. The worker put the child in a room and shut the door so the dogs couldn’t attack further and called police.
The 8-year-old was first taken to the Mid Michigan Medical Center for treatment, later flown to Grand Rapids. State police say the child has since been released.
The four dogs were taken into custody by the Gratiot County Animal Control without incident as the investigation continues.
The complaint will be reviewed by the Gratiot County Prosecutor’s Office upon completion.
