Girl, 2, In Serious Condition After Dog Bites Her Head

By Tbo.Com Staff --
Tampa Bay Online
updated 9:17 a.m. MT, Wed., March. 11, 2009
TAMPA - A 2-year-old girl is in serious condition after being bitten in the head by a mixed-breed dog, authorities said.

Mia Kingsman is being treated at Tampa General Hospital for injuries she suffered about 4:15 p.m. Monday, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said.

The sheriff's office initially said the girl was in critical condition; however, the hospital today upgraded her condition to serious.

Hillsborough County Animal Services has possession of the dog. The sheriff's office described the animal as a male mixed-breed St. Bernard and bull mastiff. Animal services said the dog appears to be an American bulldog.

Mia was playing in her yard at 11820 N. Armenia Ave. on Monday when a friend arrived with the dog on a chain, the sheriff's office said. Somehow the dog got loose and attacked the girl.

Marti Ryan, a spokeswoman for Hillsborough County Animal Services, said investigators are still sorting out how the attack happened.

Investigators need to meet with the child's medical personnel and the dog's owner, David Arthur III, Ryan said.

Arthur, 38, of Hudson, was not present during the attack but arrived while deputies were investigating.

The sheriff's office arrested him after learning he had an outstanding warrant for driving with a suspended license.

Deputies also cited him for having an aggressive dog and having an expired dog tag.

Arthur was held at Orient Road Jail on $2,526 bail and was released on bond, records show.

URL: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29636398/