Cumberland mother could face charges after dog bites boy

The boy was attacked at about 7 p.m. Saturday outside a home on Half Moon Circle, in the Eureka Springs community near Fort Bragg.

Lucas Rosser and his 8-year-old brother, Joshua, were outside playing, and the dog, which belongs to the boys' uncle, was in the yard as well, authorities said.

Mark Coggins, the children's great-grandfather, said Monday that the boys' mother went inside at one point, leaving them alone in the yard with the dog, which wasn't tied up.

"They're not scared of animals. It's just, out of the blue, the dog decided to attack them," Coggins said. "The dog started chasing them, and Joshua ran in the house, and Lucas couldn't outrun the dog."

Lucas was bitten on the arm and leg before his brother ran back outside to help and got the dog off of him, Coggins said.

The 6-year-old was taken to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center and treated for nine puncture wounds. He also has started receiving a series of shots to prevent rabies since it was unclear whether the dog had been vaccinated, authorities said.

The dog is being held by Cumberland County Animal Control for 10 days to determine if it has rabies.

According to Animal Control, the uncle told the mother to be careful because the dog didn't like children. Authorities said the uncle also could face charges.