Pageland Toddler Airlifted After Vicious Dog Mauling, Owner Busted Again

A 3-year-old Pageland child was airlifted to a Charlotte trauma center Tuesday after a brutal dog attack outside a home on Sale Barn Lane in Chesterfield County. The child suffered a dozen lacerations to the head, face, stomach and arm, but medical staff said the injuries were not life-threatening. Hospital staff kept the child overnight for pain management and observation and reported a positive prognosis for recovery.

In a Facebook update, the Chesterfield County Sheriff's Office said deputies responded to the residence on March 10. After speaking with witnesses and the child’s father, they arrested 59-year-old Richard Bragg of Pageland. According to WBTV, the dog was described as an extra-large XL Bully and Old English bulldog mix and had been involved in another attack about two years ago that resulted in a court order requiring secure containment.

Scene And Injuries

When deputies arrived at the property, they found a significant amount of blood near the home, according to reporting from Queen City News. Investigators said the child had 12 lacerations across the head, face, stomach and arm. Medical staff later confirmed that none of the wounds were considered life-threatening and said the child was expected to be released with a strong outlook following treatment.

Owner Charged And Animal In Custody

Bragg was charged with permitting a dangerous or vicious animal to run at large, his second offense on that charge, according to officials. He was taken to the Chesterfield County Detention Center.

Deputy J. McGovern of the sheriff’s Animal Control Division took custody of the dog. While at the Chesterfield County Animal Shelter, the animal reportedly tried to charge and bite the deputy and is now being held while authorities await a court-ordered seizure hearing that must be held within 72 hours, WBTV reported.

What Happens Next And Legal Context

Under South Carolina law, a dog owner can be held liable for damages when a person is “bitten or otherwise attacked” while lawfully on the premises. The state also allows courts to seize and impound animals deemed dangerous while criminal or civil proceedings move forward, as outlined in the South Carolina Code of Laws.

The upcoming seizure hearing will decide whether the dog is returned to the owner under strict containment conditions or euthanized. That decision could influence any related criminal case and potential civil claims that may follow.

Officials' Message

Sheriff Cambo Streater wrote on the department’s Facebook page that the sheriff’s office “takes incidents involving aggressive animals and injuries to children extremely seriously,” and investigators say the case remains active. Authorities are asking anyone with additional information to contact the sheriff’s office as the county moves toward the seizure hearing and any related court action.