SCIPIO TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WLKI)- A Scipio Township woman is facing 17 criminal counts and county ordinance violations following a July dog attack that seriously injured a 12-year-old girl and an adult woman.
According to Hillsdale County prosecutors, the woman is charged with five counts involving stray dogs, six counts involving unlicensed dogs and six county animal ordinance violations related to failing to vaccinate the animals.
The charges stem from a July 10 incident on East Mosherville Road. Investigators say four mixed-breed pit bull-mastiffs broke through a lock on their outdoor enclosure and attacked a 12-year-old girl as she rode an e-scooter.
The girl's adult cousin intervened in an attempt to protect her. Both victims suffered severe lacerations to their bodies and faces, and the child was airlifted to a children's hospital for emergency treatment.
After the attack, the dogs' owner voluntarily surrendered the four dogs to the Jackson County Animal Shelter. The animals were euthanized and sent for state rabies testing.
Michigan State Police found two additional small dogs on the property but said there was no evidence they were involved in the attack. Investigators also determined the animals involved were not registered with the county and there was no proof they had been vaccinated.
Prosecutors said they could not pursue charges under Michigan's dangerous animal statute because investigators found no documented history of prior bites or attacks involving the dogs. The woman is scheduled to be arraigned October 27 in 2B District Court.