Dogs Maul Boy Playing in Park After Getting Off Leashes: City Official

A 12-year-old boy has been hospitalized after being mauled by two dogs in a Texas park who broke free of their leashes, city officials have said.

The attack happened at Karrh Park on S. Ann Street on Saturday. He was then taken to the Wadley Regional Medical Center, where he was treated for injuries sustained in the attack.

The boy, who has not been named, was playing with some friends when the dogs rushed over and attacked him. The two dogs had somehow managed to break free from their leashes before the attack.

The boy's father told local TV station 6KTAL that friends managed to pull the boy away from the dogs and get help.

According to the network, the boy is expected to recover from his injuries. Texarkana's animal control department has since carried out an investigation into the attack.

The dogs' owner consented to them being seized and placed into quarantine for observation.

Newsweek has contacted the Texarkana Police Department for comment and will update this story with any response.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), more than 4.5 million people are bitten each year in the U.S. Some 800,000 Americans receive medical attention for dog bites every year.

The AVMA said: "Children are the most common victims of dog bites and are far more likely to be severely injured."

It continued: "Most dog bites affecting young children occur during everyday activities while interacting with familiar dogs."

For those wanting to prevent dog bites, the AVMA has suggested the following steps can be taken:

• Socialize your dog, by introducing it to people and other animals when it is a puppy. This will make it comfortable around them when they get older.
• Be a responsible dog owner by choosing the right pet for your family, investing in proper training, having regular exercise and neutering or spaying it.
• Educate your family about how or whether they should approach a dog.

Newsweek has previously covered several other cases where children have been attacked by dogs and other pets.

Last month, a 4-year-old boy in the state of Texas died from injuries sustained during an attack by dogs.

Baytown Police Chief John Stringer said officers responded to "a call that every officer dreads."

He added, in a statement: "We are heartbroken for the loss of this child. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone in the community who has been impacted by this tragedy."