Dog Attack in Georgia Park Leaves 6-Year-Old Boy With Severe Facial Injuries
The family of a 6-year-old boy who sustained facial injuries in a dog attack in February while visiting a Georgia park are now seeking justice.
Kristie Dix, the mother of the child, has launched a GoFundMe crowdfunding campaign asking for donations to help retain an attorney after her son, Eric, was attacked by a German shepherd on February 2, at Piedmont Park in Atlanta.
The mother said her son required reconstructive surgery, including dozens of stitches, and has been left traumatized by the incident.
As of April 7, the campaign has raised a total of $1,240 of its $50,000 goal, with donations from 36 donors. Dix wrote on the GoFundMe page: "[The family is] seeking an attorney, counseling and complete participation from animal control."
The GoFundMe page added: "With all this being said we would appreciate any support, prayers and financial help that you are able to provide. The family is very thankful for everything Eric receives so we can fight his battle in court and receive justice."
According to the mother, the family was at the urban park for some fresh air and her son was tossing a ball back and forth with her 30-year-old cousin when the canine, which was not wearing a leash, struck—roughly an hour after they arrived.
The dog's owner has not been publicly identified at the time of writing. A police report obtained by local news outlet Fox5Atlanta confirmed that the child had been playing inside an unleashed area of Piedmont Park when the dog attack occurred.
The park's official website says dog areas allow off-leash dogs within the fences. It was not immediately clear who would be the main focus of any potential legal action.
The child was taken to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta of Scottish Rite Hospital, where doctors conducted reconstructive surgery on wounds to his face and lips.
"A German shepherd, not on a leash, attacked my son," Dix wrote on the GoFundMe crowdfunding page. "Yanking, biting and dragging his little body by his face."
Dix told Fox5Atlanta the child had surgery and needed about 60 stitches in total. She was "thankful" the dog did not scratch the son's eyes and noted that, despite the cuts starting to heal, Eric was emotionally impacted and will need expert help.
The mother said her son is scared to fall asleep, has developed a fear of being alone and is experiencing "extreme pain" along the left side of his face.
"He [is] still having nightmares... he is a little ashamed sometimes people are staring at him," she toldFox5Atlanta. "Anything could've happened. He could have died."
