A man was hospitalized in serious condition after being bitten by a dog, described as a mix between an American bulldog and a terrier, in Miami Gardens on Wednesday.
The owner of the dog said the victim, who was doing yard work, may have provoked the dog, which escaped from the backyard, by attempting to fend her off with a tree branch cutter.
The dog's name is Alba and her owner said she has never been violent before. A neighbor supported that claim. She said the victim of the dog bite, identified by family as Luis Capote, also lives in the neighborhood.
The neighbor said Alba is normally very friendly, adding she has seen the victim and the dog playing together in the past.
Capote, who needs surgery, may have been bitten in the neck, chest and legs, the victim's family said.
"He suffered significant injuries, as to say that it didn't warrant a ground rescue transport and we had to solicit our air rescue in order to expedite his transport to a facility that could care for his injuries," a Miami-Dade Fire Rescue official said.
Animal control said the dog will remain with the owner but must be quarantined for at least 10 days. An investigator will determine if the dog is considered dangerous or if it was just an isolated incident.
