Mentor, OH – A dog has been euthanized after a violent attack left a 4-year-old girl and her mother with serious injuries in Mentor, Ohio. The incident occurred on Saturday, October 4, when Alexis Higham and her young daughter, Carina Palladino, were walking to a nearby park.
The Sudden Attack
According to local reports, the off-leash pit bull lunged without warning, targeting both mother and daughter.
“It kept biting her, letting go, going for a different section of her face,” Higham recalled in an interview. “The third time is when I finally got to them, and I ended up taking a water bottle and trying to beat the dog off her, which was not working.”
When Alexis tried to rescue her daughter, the dog latched onto her hand, causing further injuries. She eventually dragged the animal toward a nearby road where passersby intervened and called 911.
Child Sustains Severe Facial Injuries
Carina was rushed to a children’s hospital, where she underwent emergency surgery. Her mother later confirmed that additional cosmetic surgery will be needed in about six months to help restore her face.
Describing the extent of her daughter’s wounds, Alexis said:
“Her chin was completely ripped. The skin was torn up, the lip was taken off, the nose under the eye—she has stitches in her head.”
The emotional toll has already begun to show. “She already has people pointing and looking,” Alexis said, adding that one child recently asked, ‘Mom, what’s wrong with her face?’
Dog Owner Surrenders the Animal
A spokesperson for the City of Mentor confirmed that “the dog involved in the attack was surrendered willfully and euthanized.” The spokesperson also stated that the investigation remains ongoing and that charges may still be filed depending on the outcome.
Authorities said two additional dogs from the same home were also surrendered and euthanized as a precaution. Police are coordinating with the Lake County Dog Warden to determine potential violations or criminal responsibility related to the attack.
Community Response and Fundraiser
In the wake of the incident, a GoFundMe page was launched by a family friend to assist with medical costs, lost wages, and recovery expenses.
“This has been the most painful and frightening experience of their lives,” the friend wrote. “They are now facing unexpected medical expenses, lost work time, and the emotional recovery that comes after something so horrific.”
As of October 12, the fundraiser has collected $12,532 of its $14,000 goal.
Broader Concerns Over Dog Attacks
Incidents like this have reignited debate over dog ownership responsibility and breed-specific regulations. Experts emphasize that while many pit bulls are loving companions, proper training, socialization, and supervision are essential.
Animal control officials urge owners to leash dogs in public spaces and maintain secure fencing at home. Failure to do so can result in civil liability or criminal charges when attacks occur.
Recovery and Next Steps
Alexis and her daughter are now focusing on healing and rehabilitation, both physically and emotionally. The family remains grateful for community support and the strangers who rushed to help during the terrifying ordeal.
Authorities are expected to release more information as the investigation progresses in the coming weeks.
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