CHARLOTTE, N.C. — “It's like time stood still,” one Charlotte mother said about the terrifying moments she spent shielding her 7-year-old son while three dogs attacked him.
Elizabeth Bertrand said her son Noah had just stepped off the school bus Friday in the 700 block of Rome Court when the dogs charged toward them and pounced on top of him.
Bertrand screamed as she laid on the ground to protect him and kicked and shoved at the bull terriers.
Neighbors in the Madison Park community rushed to help the pair.
“I told my daughter, 'Call 911,' and I grabbed a broom and hit the ground screaming ‘get out, stop,’” neighbor Chong Winston said.
Noah suffered injuries to his head and face and underwent emergency plastic surgery.
“He's been very, very brave,” Bertrand said.
Bertrand, who was bitten in the attack, and their entire family are recovering from the trauma.
“I just pray that people who have pets take the responsibility very seriously,” she said.
Animal Control Officers located the dogs who returned to their owner's home.
Officials said the owner admitted the dogs had been loose, and surrendered all three to Animal Care and Control.
The dogs’ owners received criminal citations for animal bite and restraint of animal. The dogs were euthanized on September 4 and they tested negative for rabies.
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