Mother, toddler recovering after dog attack at Sanford home

A mother and toddler were recovering Monday following a dog attack Easter Sunday in Sanford.

According to Lee County Animal Control, 20-year-old Tiffany Griffis and her 2-year-old son were visiting a home at 4334 Lee Avenue when a dog in a yard next door went under the fence and attacked the toddler.

Authorities said the mother intervened to help the boy and was then attacked as well.

The mother was taken by helicopter to UNC Hospital in Chapel Hill, where she underwent surgery. Her son was taken to the same hospital in a private vehicle, authorities said.

Authorities said the mother and child were bitten on the leg, but their conditions were unknown.

No charges will be filed against the owners of the dog, described as a 2-year-old male pit bull mix, because the dog had been secured in the yard and escaped without the owners’ knowledge. Authorities said they have not received any prior complaints about the animal.

The dog has been placed under a 10-day quarantine, as required by state law, and will be euthanized, authorities said.