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Fayetteville pit bull euthanized after attack on toddler

Authorities say the attack happened just before 8 p.m. Tuesday at a house on Quimby Court in Fayetteville.

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FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — A Fayetteville toddler is fighting for his life after a dog attack in his home.

Authorities say the attack happened just before 8 p.m. Tuesday at a house on Quimby Court in Fayetteville.

Katherine Rodgers told investigators that the family's 5-year-old pit bull mix, Kratos, attacked her 18-month-old son, Kenneth, in their home after he wandered away from her into another room.

“That was her original statement,” said Cumberland County Animal Control Director Dr. John Lauby. “She’s recanted that statement and says she was playing ball with the dog and the dog got excited and attacked the child is what I’m understanding now from other reports.”

Authorities says the 90-pound dog bit the child in the face and neck causing severe facial trauma. A what report? Animal control? Police?report also says that the child's airway was obstructed.

The child was flown to UNC Hospitals after a short stay at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center.

The pit bull was euthanized Thursday morning at the Cumberland County Animal Shelter.

The child's mother says she was also bitten by the pit bull when she tried to get the dog off her son.

“You just can’t leave small children alone with a large dog,” said Lauby. “Bad things happen.”

Animal Control officers say that the family has six other dogs at the home- two more pit bulls, two Siberian huskies, a Dalmatian, a cocker spaniel and a mixed breed.

All of the dogs, including the pit bull that attacked, are up to date on their rabies shots.

“It’s a terrible thing,” Lauby said. “If we are lucky and the child lives, the child’s going to be scarred for life. These memories will never go away.”

Fayetteville police are investigating in order to decide whether to file any charges in the case.

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