Lawton three-week-old hospitalized after dog partially bites ear off

LAWTON, OK (KSWO)- A three week old girl from Lawton is at Children's hospital in Oklahoma City after her ear was partially bitten off by her family's pet dog. It happened Wednesday inside their home.

"Any animal you have can be dangerous, can be considered dangerous depending on the circumstances and how that animal is feeling at the time," said Sgt. Timothy Jenkins, Lawton Police Department.

The dog bite took place at a home on the 2400 block of Southwest D Avenue. The pet was the family's nine-week-old German Shepherd.

Officials said the bite on the infant's ear caused her to be rushed to Comanche County Memorial Hospital and then to Oklahoma City Children's hospital for further treatment.

Sergeant Jenkins said it's important to watch your pets around children.

"Watch your pet around any kids, neighborhood kids and your kids," he said. "Because anytime, anyplace something can happen with that animal and those children."

Although the girl is doing better now, Sgt. Jenkins said his hope is that this serves as a reminder to other pet owners.

"You are responsible for your animals," said Jenkins. "You are responsible for anything that belongs to you in your home whether it be your children or your animals. So, if something does happen with that animal you are responsible you can be held responsible."

The dog is now in custody with Lawton Animal Control officers. It will remain there until the court decides on what will be done. The dog will either be euthanized or released back to the family.

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