Toddler Attacked By Pitbull Mix At California Daycare Receives 180 Stitches

A 3-year-old girl from California is recovering after she was attacked by a dog and required 180 stitches to her face and additional stitches in her hip area. According to KTVU, the attack happened at around 3:30 P.M. on Saturday, April 9, near Hemet.

Riverside County Department of Animal Services officials initially stated the pit bull mix was tethered at the time of the attack, however, the child's mother has disputed the owner's claim that the dog was restrained. According to KTVU, she told Animal Services that the attack started inside the house in the 41000 block of Mayberry Avenue (which is believed to be used as a daycare center) and continued outside in the backyard after the dog pulled her out. The girl was transported to an area hospital and later to the Loma Linda University Medical Center.

“We should note that when our officer arrived at the property, the dog was in the backyard inside a pen of some type. The owner had informed us that the dog was tethered and located in the backyard when the attack occurred. The mother told us that was incorrect,” John Welsh, animal services chief and spokesperson wrote in a statement. “Her daughter conveyed to her that the attack occurred/started inside the house and continued outside, in the backyard, after the dog pulled her out a back door."

Welsh confirmed that the dog has been placed in a protective custody kennel at the Western Riverside County/City Animal Shelter in Jurupa Valley.