Toledo boy, 4, loses foot to amputation after family's pit bull puppy gnawed on it

2/2/2007

A 4-year-old North Toledo boy had his right foot amputated today after it had apparently been gnawed repeatedly by a pit bull puppy, said Lucas County Dog Warden Tom Skeldon.

Jameille Walker, who reportedly has spina bifida and no feeling in his lower extremities, had to lose the foot in an amputation at Toledo Hospital, Mr. Skeldon said. A hospital spokesman could provide no information about his condition.

The incident occured at 1209 St. John Ave., where the family's pit bull puppy -- about three months old -- apparently chewed repeatedly on the boy's right foot, the dog warden said.

The boy's mother told a deputy dog warden that she was awakened this morning by another child, who alerted her that Jameille's foot was extremely red. When the mother saw Jameille's injured foot and blood on the dog's face and chest, she apparently took him to Toledo Hospital, Mr. Skeldon said.

The county dog warden's office has seized the dog and is holding the animal in a cage at its facility on South Erie Street.

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