An 11-year-old Bowler girl is being praised for protecting her 2-year-old brother by putting herself in harm’s way during a dog attack.
Witnesses say the girl, identified as Alayna Burney and her brother, Mateo Lopez, were walking down the street when the dog approached. It first bit Burney, then headed after her brother. That’s when Burney yelled to divert the dog’s attention.
Witnesses say she was bit four times before they were able to get the pit bull of her.
“The thing that’s special about this case is that they 11-year-old girl protected her brother,” said Shawano County Sheriff Adam Bieber, commending her bravery. “She likely saved her brother’s life because if the dog would’ve latched onto her brother, it very well would’ve caused severe injury and possibly death.”
Burney was treated for non-life threatening injuries.
The dog was already on quarantine for killing another dog earlier in the week. While the event could’ve ended tragically Bieber says it serves as a caution to all pet owners.
“The owners are responsible for the actions of their dogs,” said Bieber. “You have obligations obviously to always keep your dog on a leash, or it needs to be in an enclosure on your own property.”
The owner had the dog put to sleep.