Pit bull bites 7-year-old in the face | Pets

MAIDEN - A Pit bull mix has been quarantined after biting a 7-year-old boy on his face and head last Friday in Maiden. 

According to Lincoln County Animal Services, the bite occurred at 3587 Rollingview Lane around 5 p.m.  The boy was rushed by family members to CMC-Lincoln and was then transported to CMC-Main in Charlotte.

Witnesses at the scene said the dog "was approached by the victim and the dog bit the victim on the head and the face."  Animal Services say that the dog also bit one person back in September of 2010.

Lincoln County EMS said the boy suffered non-life-threatening facial injuries.  The dog will be quarantined at the Lincoln County Animal Shelter for a minimum of 10 days.

On Tuesday, Animal Services released a statement saying that a "Potentially Dangerous Dog Declaration" has been issued to the owner, who is entitled to a hearing, according to a subsection of the Lincoln County Code of Ordinances, which reads:

The owner or keeper of a dog subject to being declared dangerous is entitled to a hearing. The owner or keeper of the animal may request a hearing regardless of whether a probable cause notice has been delivered.  The owner or keeper may request a hearing by submitting a written request to the Animal Services Supervisor or designee within five working days after delivery of a notice of probable cause, or when all reasonable efforts to deliver the notice of probable cause have been exhausted. If the owner or keeper fails to request a hearing, the Animal Services Supervisor or designee shall determine whether the animal is dangerous. The Animal Services Supervisor or designee shall make findings of fact to support the determination. The Animal Services Officer, Deputy Sheriff or Police Officer shall present whatever evidence exists to indicate the animal in question is dangerous. The owner or keeper is entitled to present whatever evidence the owner or keeper wishes and to have legal representation present. The Animal Services Supervisor or designee's decision shall be supported by conclusions based upon findings of fact. Findings of fact must be supported by competent material evidence.