A 5-year-old Fontana girl and two of her siblings are being treated for  dog bite injuries after being attacked by four pit bulls and one pit bull/bull mastiff mix.

The girl, Destiny Colon, is listed in critical condition at Loma Linda University Children’s hospital. Destiny suffered the worst injuries of all three children. When the dogs attacked, they lunged for Destiny, pulled her away from her mother, and began shaking her violently like a rag doll.  According to the Los Angeles Times, Destiny suffered broken ribs, a punctured lung, several serious bites, and possible internal injuries.  She has since been placed in a drug-induced coma and needs a ventilator to breath.

Destiny’s 7-year-old brother was treated for severe bites to legs, where the dogs reportedly ripped out parts of his leg muscle.  According to Fontana police Sgt. Jeff Decker the boy received more than 200 stables in his leg.

A third sibling, an 8-year-old boy, was also treated for bites to his arms and legs.

The attack occurred last week when Destiny, her mother, and her three siblings were walking along the railroad tracks near Arrow Boulevard when the five dogs escaped from a fenced-in yard on Ceres Avenue. The dogs apparently dug under the fence to escape.

So far, no charges have been filed against the family that owns the dogs, but police say they are planning to submit the findings of their investigation to the San Bernardino District Attorney’s Office, who can decide whether or not to press charges. The family is however cooperating with the police’s investigation.

The dogs remain in quarantine for 10 days and will then be euthanized.

If you have been injured or attacked by a dog, you may have legal grounds to file a lawsuit for damages. An experienced Pasadena dog bite attorney can review your case to determine whether the dog’s owner can be held liable for damages under California personal injury laws. If you have a valid claim, you can trust the Law Offices of Gerald L. Marcus to advocate your rights and work diligently in prosecuting your case for the largest possible settlement. 

To arrange a free consultation, please contact the office today by calling (888) 203-PAIN!