A 2-year-old Weatherford boy is fighting for his life after a violent pit bull attack inside his family’s home this month. Relatives identified the child as Julius and said he was resting on the bottom bunk of a bed when the dog suddenly mauled him. Family members say he was rushed to a Fort Worth hospital, where he is being treated in the intensive care unit.
According to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Julius’s mother jumped in to pull the dog off her son and was bitten in the process, while other relatives helped separate the animal from the child. The outlet reports the family has launched a GoFundMe to help cover emergency and ongoing medical expenses. Relatives wrote on the fundraiser page that Julius’s injuries are severe and will likely require reconstructive surgery and long-term care.
Child Bite Risks and Prevention
Children face a higher risk of dog bites than adults, and attacks from familiar animals often cause the most serious injuries, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The agency advises that young children should always be supervised around dogs, that kids be taught how to safely interact with animals, and that any bite wound be evaluated promptly by a medical professional.
Family Fundraiser and Medical Costs
Per the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, a GoFundMe organized by the boy’s grandmother, Lani Ryan, who signed the page had raised a little over $1,300 toward a $25,000 goal. The fundraiser states that donations will help pay for emergency treatment, surgeries, reconstructive procedures and long-term recovery needs.
How To Report a Dog Bite in Weatherford
The City of Weatherford’s website states that Texas law requires all dog bites be reported to police or an animal-control officer. For questions and non-emergency situations, the city lists the Weatherford Parker County Animal Shelter at 817-598-4111. Residents are advised to call 911 if an animal poses an immediate threat.
Neighbors and others who want to help can follow the family’s fundraiser and local media coverage for developments. Hoodline will update this story as more information becomes available.
