THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, September 16, 1995 TAG: 9509160273
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B2 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY STEVE STONE, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH LENGTH: Short : 40 lines
Two young brothers and their mother were treated for serious injuries late Friday after they were attacked by their family dog, police said.
The attack, which occurred at a home in the 900 block of Campion Court in the Chimney Hill section, was reported about 7:25 p.m.
The names of the victims were withheld until relatives could be notified. While none of the injuries appeared to be life-threatening, all were considered serious.
Police spokesman Mike Carey said the dog, a chow named Smokey Bear, apparently attacked without provocation.
He first mauled a 3-year-old boy, biting him on the back of his head and the back of his neck, Carey said. When the boy's 8-year-old brother tried to intervene, the dog turned on him.
The older boy was bitten repeatedly and suffered injuries to his face, one eye and his mouth. Several of his teeth also were broken.
The boy's 39-year-old mother stepped in and was able to deter the dog, but not before the animal bit her on the forearm. Her injuries were the least serious, Carey said.
The mother called 911.
The dog was captured by Animal Control officers and taken to a facility near the Municipal Center.
It was unclear Friday night whether the dog was up to date on his rabies vaccinations. ``The mother couldn't answer any of those questions because of her condition,'' Carey said. ``She was pretty upset.''
All three victims were treated in the trauma center at Virginia Beach General Hospital.
KEYWORDS: DOG ATTACK CHOW INJURIES by CNB