By Associated Press
Hardford AL – A 9-year-old Geneva County girl was in serious condition Monday after being mauled by at least one dog and laying in her neighbor's yard for at least an hour before being found, authorities said.
Geneva County Sheriff Greg Ward said the child, identified as Mariah Carver, was attacked on Saturday.
"This was not a dog bite," Ward told The Dothan Eagle in a story Monday. "This was an attack where they literally tried to kill her. This girl is lucky to be alive. She's a fighter and right now we're all just pulling for her."
Carver was airlifted to Children's Hospital in Birmingham on Saturday afternoon. A hospital spokesman said Monday that she was listed in serious condition.
Ward said she apparently had walked to a friend's trailer and was attacked when she began to walk off after realizing no one was there. Several dogs reportedly were at the trailer, but it was not clear if the girl was attacked by more than one.
The sheriff said the dogs were held for testing Monday to determine if they have rabies. He said the dogs will be euthanized.
Ward said there are no leash laws in Geneva County and the district attorney's office will determine if any criminal charges will be filed.