May 10, 2005 Chicago Pit bull that mauled a Child Had Attacked Before

Chicago - A dog that mauled a 3-year-old Chicago girl Sunday had been confiscated by the city last month after it bit another child, then released 10 days later.

The 60-pound pit bull reportedly broke loose from its chain in a Northwest Side home Sunday and attacked Akina Jackson, who was visiting the home. The dog knocked the girl down, bit her face and ear and dragged her across the yard and sidewalk before neighbors could rescue her.



The dog was euthanized Sunday night. Authorities declined to discuss the condition of the girl, who was released from the hospital Monday.

Last month Bruno, a 1-year-old pit bull owned by Devarryl Joiner of the 1600 block of North Moody Avenue, bit a 12-year-old boy on the hand and was quarantined for 10 days by the city's Department of Animal Care and Control, spokeswoman Melanie Sobel said.

A city animal control officer euthanized Bruno Sunday night. Joiner was cited for failing to restrain and failing to muzzle his dog, police spokesman Matthew Jackson said. He faces fines ranging from $300 to $10,000, Sobel said. He is scheduled to appear before a hearing officer on June 17.

Akina was treated overnight at Children's Memorial Hospital. Her family did not return phone calls Monday.

Lee Joiner, Devarryl Joiner's mother, said Akina was at her home Sunday to buy candy, which she sold from the second floor of her home.

Lee Joiner said the dog was restrained in the family's basement, but bit through a "thick metal chain."

"The dog broke out of the chains and came out the front door when the little girl was leaving," said Lee Joiner, who was not home at the time of the incident. The dog then attacked the girl on the front steps of the family's home.

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