Child recovering after rottweiler attack (Newberry, MI)

[Rene Allegrini]

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Child recovering after dog attack

By JOHN PEPIN, Journal Munising Bureau


NEWBERRY — A 3-year-old Luce County girl improved to serious condition today while recovering from injuries suffered in a dog attack Thursday.

Iris Wass, the daughter of Cory Wass, 27, was reported in serious condition this morning at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor, improved from the critical condition report given when she was admitted last week.

“She had a lot of multiple trauma, lot of multiple dog bites, scratches and abrasions over 90 percent of her body,” Luce County Sheriff Kevin Erickson said. “She’s going to have a long road to recovery.”

The incident occurred at about 4 p.m. Thursday at the home of Cory Wass’ mother on Luce County Road 457. Wass was staying at his mother’s house and his daughter was dropped off there by his ex-wife for parental visitation.

Police said that while Cory Wass was allegedly asleep inside the house, Iris Wass got through two back doors and outside to an area where three dogs were tied up.

Police said the young girl apparently got tangled in a chain that was holding a 120-pound rottweiler owned by a friend of Cory Wass’ mother. No previous complaints had been made about any of the three dogs and the rottweiler was at the home for about a month.

“What I think happened is the chain got tangled up and the dog panicked and started scratching her,” Erickson said.

Police said the attack lasted for at least 20 minutes. Neighbor Deborah Burton saw what was happening, got to the house, untangled the chain and released the dog and the girl.

Burton took Iris Wass to her home and called emergency dispatchers. Some of the girl’s injuries appear to be from the chain being wrapped around her neck, police said.

Police said the dog had the arm of the young girl in its mouth on at least one occasion. The dog is currently at the Luce County Animal Shelter, and police said it does not appear to be an aggressive animal.

At first, police believed two of the dogs were involved in the attack, but later determined it was only the rottweiler.

Iris Wass was initially taken to Helen Newberry Joy Hospital in Newberry by Luce County EMS and then flown to the University of Michigan Hospital where she was being treated in a burn unit for her injuries.

Police continue to investigate the incident. A separate investigation is under way by Child Protective Services, which was alerted to the incident when it occurred.