CommentsANIMAL WATCH - A Pit Bull savagely attacked and tore off parts of the face off a helpless 9-year-old child last week in a senseless and horrific event that should never happen—and this could be anyone’s child at any moment.
There is no excuse for the attack on Alejandro Mizsan (shown above) while he was innocently playing on a public green area in Ireland around 4:00 p.m. on Sunday and was attacked by the unleashed Pit Bull that was unaccompanied and roaming freely.
Without provocation or warning, according to the IrishMirror, it tore into the little boy’s face to the point that there is concern he will ever be able to talk again.
(Photo) The area where Alejandro was attacked.
His brother, Raul, 21, told the Mirror that a few days before, the same Pit Bull had attacked two other children, and nothing was done.
The sustained attack was only stopped when neighbors driving by saw what was happening and intervened.
The family says that if a mother and her two sons had not been driving by and stopped and jumped out of their car to scare the dog away and call for emergency responders, Alejandro would be dead.
The child was airlifted to a hospital and underwent emergency surgery on Sunday evening and another operation on Monday.
His brother told the Mirror: “We’re devastated. We don’t have words to describe the feelings we have now.
“The Pitbull destroyed him. He will never be the same again. His face is in bits. He will not be a normal kid like he used to be ever again,” he said.
“We don’t know what to do or how to act, we’re just in shock. We just thank God that he’s still alive. My brother is a very strong boy and he survived.”
SEVERE INJURIES
Alejandro also suffered serious leg injuries in the attack in Wexford, the IrishMirror reports.
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Otilia and Ion Florin Mizsan. (Image: Mick O'Neill)
Alejandro’s parents, Otilia and Ion Florin Mizsan, are reportedly from Romania and speak limited English so they asked their older son to speak on their behalf. They have lived in Ireland for over 10 years and at the current location for the past year.
Raul described how painful it is to see his mother and little sister, 5, struggling with this and that his sister is not eating or drinking.
Alejandro remains in Crumlin Children’s Hospital, with relatives at his bedside.
The family says they have not seen the mother “without tears in her eyes,” since the incident.
A 22-year-old Man Arrested in Connection with the Attack
An arrest has been made in relation to the Pit Bull attack on Alejandro, the IrishMirror reported on November 30, stating that: officials confirmed, “As a result of an investigation into subsequent related matters, a man in his 20s was arrested on the morning of Tuesday, November 29, 2022 under the provisions of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997.”
“He is currently being detained at Enniscorthy Garda Station under the provisions of Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984. Investigations are ongoing.”
PIT BULLS REGULATED IN IRELAND
The Gardaí (the national police service of Ireland) and emergency services were called to the scene and the Pit Bull was identified and later put down, according to Newsweek.
Pit Bulls are on Ireland’s list of restricted dogs. Although not officially banned the Control of Dogs Regulations 1998 regulates breeds on that list, which includes American and English Pit Bull Terrier, Bull Mastiff, and others which “must be muzzled in public, kept on a short lead less than 6.5 feet in length, wear a collar at all times with the owner's information, and be led only by people over the age of 16.”
FUNDRAISER FOR FAMILY
Alejandro Mizsan remains in Crumlin Children’s Hospital - where he is expected to remain for at least a month after already undergoing two surgeries.
The community where Alejandro’s family lives has begun a GoFundMe titled “Just playing with his friends” which had raised over €60,000 by last night. You can view the fundraiser HERE.
Raul added: “I just want to say thank you to everybody that helped my brother for the donations and all the prayers. We are so grateful.”
(Phyllis M. Daugherty is a contributor to CityWatch and a former Los Angeles City employee.)