Dog Attacks 8-Year-Old Girl; Neighbor Injured Trying To Help

HARNETT COUNTY – An eight-year-old girl is recovering from serious injuries after being mauled by a dog on Thursday evening.

According to the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to the 100 block of Bison Lane around 5:50 p.m. following reports of an adult and child being attacked by a dog.

When authorities arrived, they found the young girl and a 51-year-old neighbor, Brian Ellis, being treated by emergency medical personnel. Both had sustained injuries during the attack.

Authorities said several children were playing in the area when a dog, later identified as a two-year-old Akita, approached them. The dog initially appeared calm but suddenly turned aggressive and attacked the girl without warning.

Hearing the commotion, Ellis rushed to the scene and attempted to pull the dog away but was unsuccessful. Another neighbor arrived with a firearm and shot the dog, killing it and stopping the attack.

The girl was rushed to a local hospital and later transported to UNC Hospital in Chapel Hill due to the severity of her injuries. Ellis was also taken to a nearby hospital for treatment of his injuries, which were not specified.

Investigators believe the dog had been tethered outside a nearby home but managed to break free from its collar before going to the area where the children were playing.

The Harnett County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation is ongoing. No charges have been announced at this time.