Avon Girl, 12, Severely Injured In Dog Attack: APD

AVON, CT — A young Avon girl is recovering after being attacked by a dog in a local neighborhood Tuesday.

The Avon Police Department Thursday morning confirmed the incident, which happened at about 3 p.m. Tuesday afternoon.

According to Avon Police Lt. John Schmalberger, the attack resulted in possibly disfiguring injuries to a 12-year-old girl who was returning home from being dropped off the school bus.

He said the attack happened on private property on West Hills Drive and Wellesley Court, which is a residential neighborhood.

"It was very serious," Schmalberger told Patch Thursday. "It was very tragic all around."

He said the girl is expected to recover, but faces some physical and emotional challenges after the attack.

Schmalberger said the girl was immediately rushed to the Connecticut Children's Medical Center in Hartford for treatment of bites to the face.

"There were severe facial injuries," he said.

He said the breed of dog was a 50-pound white Labrador and it didn't have a history of biting or any troubles with people.

"There's never been an issue with the dog before," he said.

Schmalberger said the dog is in what's called "self-quarantine," which means it must remain inside the home until Oct. 26, when Avon Animal Control Officer Angela Grano is expected to complete her investigation.

According to Schmalberger, the dog was well-known to the girl and the neighborhood and children, often, would pet it without any incidents.

He said children would often cut through that property on their way home from school, as was the case in this incident.

Schmalberger said the dog was up-to-date with its shots and was reportedly healthy prior to the incident.

Grano deferred comment to Avon police, adding she's still investigating the situation.

She did say the whole situation was shocking to all involved.

"It was unfortunate on every level," Grano said. "No one saw that coming. It was an unbelievable fluke."