A 12-year-old boy was severely attacked by a group of ten pit bulls while riding his bike in his neighborhood.
The attack occurred on Saturday, August 26, as Hunter Bishop cycled to a friend’s house on Grassy Knob Road, Rutherfordton, North Carolina.
According to his mother, Amber Barnes, the dogs appeared starved. She described the scene, saying it looked like “they were eating my son.” She found her son in a ditch after the assault, with significant injuries.
Hunter was taken to Greenville Memorial Children’s Hospital and admitted in critical condition. Since the incident, he has undergone four surgeries, with a fifth one planned for September 2.
Doctors at the hospital faced challenges finding enough undamaged skin for grafting due to the extent of his injuries.
Speaking to a news outlet, Amber Barnes said, “It’s unreal that he’s still alive.” Images shared by the media showed Hunter with extensive bruises and cuts. He’s expected to be in the hospital for the next few weeks and his mother is not sure when he will be able to attend school.
The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident with an option of opening charges against the dog owners with the district attorney.
The community has come together in response. A GoFundMe campaign, started by Barnes to cover the family’s expenses related to the attack, has raised over $1,600 as of the end of August.
Derek Bishop, Hunter’s father, shared a message on Facebook, asking for prayers and expressing gratitude that his son survived the ordeal.
