Photo released of boy taken to hospital after dog bite

“My grandson came back with his whole face bloody.”

Patty Hanenberg says her 6-year-old grandson Emerick was playing with the kids next door, when suddenly the neighbor’s pet dog launched at his face.

“He was petting the pitbull and then it attacked him, bit him and knocked him back,” Hanenberg said.

Hanenberg says when Emerick ran home he had two deep puncture wounds on his cheek and one on his jaw.

“I was terrified,” Hanenberg said. “Just two weeks ago a dog killed an adult, it happens all the time.”

Emerick’s mom, Samantha Sparks, said this wasn’t her family’s first encounter with that dog. She said they’ve reported it to animal services in the past.

“He’s just a very violent dog. He’ll pin you to the corner he’s not a nice dog to have in this community with young children living next door,” Sparks said.

We tried to ask the neighbors about the dog but they wouldn’t open the door to talk to us.

The young boy is now recovering from his injuries after being transferred from JFK Memorial to Eisenhower Medical Center.

The dog remains in the custody of animal services.

“I hope he never comes back. We asked that the pitbull be removed,” Sparks said.

“I think the dog should be put down truthfully. It can’t be trusted, especially around small children,” Hanenberg said.