The dog's owner, Thomas Chastain, Jr., turned over rights to the dog to animal control. The pitbull was euthanized yesterday by Rockdale County Animal Care and Control.

According to incident report, the victim's mother was searching for her son around her house when she heard his cries over a small hill. When she ran toward him, a red pitbull was attacking the boy and dragging him.

The mother grabbed the boy and was able to free her son by kicking the dog, which also bit her on the right arm. She ran inside the house, called 911 and rushed him to Rockdale Medical Center.

The boy was transported to Scottish Rite Children's Hospital because of the severity of his injuries. His right ear was nearly severed and his scalp was missing.

A witness, who was keeping the dog for the owner, said he allowed the owner to chain the dog on his property because he was told the dog did not bite.