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4-year-old attacked by dog may have permanent limp

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By LISA A. DAVIS

ldavis@tampatrib.com

Published: October 21, 2009

ZEPHYRHILLS - A 4-year-old boy might walk with a limp after he was attacked by a family dog Monday, according to a Pasco County Sheriff's Office report.

Dylan Robert Medlock was at home with his uncle's girlfriend while his mother ran errands about 4 p.m., the report said.

Pamela Pelham, 27, told deputies she was walking Dylan toward the house from the front yard when Bo, the dog, got loose from his chain and ran to them.

The dog knocked down the boy and began playing with him, but the youngster kicked Bo, the report said, leading the dog to bite the boy. Pelham was not immediately able to get the dog away from Dylan, but when she did, she noticed the 4-year-old could not walk.

Pelham told deputies she did not immediately call for help because she does not have a phone.

About 20 minutes after the attack, 27-year-old Joseph Reaves, her boyfriend and the child's uncle, returned to the 8825 Brazil St. residence and called Dylan's mother about the attack.

Mary Reaves, 24, took Dylan to Florida Hospital Zephyrhills after seeing the extent of his injuries. She couldn't be reached for comment Tuesday.

According to the report, Dylan had bites with punctures and bruising to his right bicep and right forearm. He had a bite on his lower left leg that tore the skin and muscle. His left leg was broken in two places.

A nurse told deputies the boy had surgery and likely will have a permanent limp.

Pasco County Animal Services manager Denise Hilton said she had yet to confirm the breed of the dog, which is expected to be quarantined for 10 days at the Land O' Lakes shelter. The dog will be observed for signs of rabies.

Joseph Reaves told deputies the dog likes to play tug of war with his shoes or the leg of his pants, but had never bitten anyone.

He also told deputies the dog is not licensed and is not up to date on its vaccinations.

Hilton said Joseph Reaves has relinquished ownership of Bo and the dog would be "humanely" euthanized after its quarantine period.

Reaves could face a citation for not vaccinating the dog. A first-offense citation would cost less than $200, Hilton said.

Reporter Lisa A. Davis can be reached at (727) 815-1083.

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