A 12-year-old girl and a 31-year-old woman suffered serious injuries after they were attacked by three dogs in Hillsdale County, according to the Michigan State Police.
Troopers from the Michigan State Police Jackson Post responded around 9 p.m. July 10 to the 1400 block of Mosherville Road in Scipio Township for a reported dog attack.
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Officials said the attack happened after three mixed-breed pit bull/mastiff dogs escaped from their kennel.
According to the preliminary investigation, a 12-year-old girl and her 13-year-old friend were riding scooters along Mosherville Road when they saw the dogs in the front yard of their owner’s home.
The 12-year-old told investigators the dogs suddenly ran toward her.
She jumped off her scooter, but the dogs knocked her to the ground and began attacking her, police said.
The 13-year-old ran to get help and was not injured.
Authorities said a 31-year-old woman heard the girls screaming and rushed to help. As she tried to pull the dogs away from the child, the dogs turned and attacked her.
The dogs’ owner intervened and pulled the animals away from the woman, remaining with her until emergency responders arrived, according to police.
The owner’s son later secured the dogs in their kennel.
The 12-year-old’s mother picked her up and took her home to await emergency medical services.
Police said both victims suffered severe lacerations but were conscious and alert when troopers arrived.
The 31-year-old woman was taken by Reading Emergency Medical Unit to Henry Ford Hospital. She is expected to survive.
The 12-year-old girl was airlifted to Henry Ford Hospital before being transferred by helicopter to C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor for additional treatment.
She is also expected to survive.
The three dogs were returned to the custody of their 44-year-old owner pending the outcome of the investigation.
Michigan State Police said the investigation remains ongoing. Once completed, the case will be submitted to the Hillsdale County Prosecutor’s Office for possible criminal charges against the owner.
Authorities also will determine the disposition of the dogs as part of the investigation.