Owner urged to turn in dog that mauled Maui boy

By Christie Wilson
Neighbor Island Editor

MAKAWAO, Maui — Maui Humane Society officials are hoping the owner of a dog that mauled a 6-year-old Makawao boy this week will turn the animal in to be destroyed.

The boy, Alex Pyle, is recovering at home after surgery to repair extensive wounds to his scalp and face.

He had gone to his neighbor's house across Ulele Street to play with their pet dog Monday afternoon, as he had done many times before, when he was attacked by a larger dog, said Aimee Anderson, animal control supervisor with the Maui Humane Society. The dog, described as an Akita mix weighing more than 100 pounds, had been brought to the property by a workman painting the neighbor's house, she said.

Although the larger dog was tied up, the child got within its reach and the animal caught hold of the boy by his head, tearing his scalp and left cheek.

The youngster spent the night at Maui Memorial Medical Center but went home the next day.

Police interviewed the dog's owner but did not notify the Humane Society. The dog was not impounded.

Anderson said that by the time officers arrived, the child and his parents were on their way to the hospital and police may not have realized the severity of the attack.

The Humane Society did not learn of the attack until the following day when the boy's parents called. Although officials know the man's name, Anderson said he apparently doesn't have a permanent address.

She said the agency is not interested in prosecuting the dog's owner but wants to make sure the animal does not hurt someone else. "We are concerned about getting this dog turned in. Considering the extent of the attack, it needs to be destroyed," Anderson said.

The boy's mother, Kuniko Pyle, said yesterday it is not certain whether Alex will suffer permanent nerve damage to his face.

Both parents were home at the time of the mauling. Pyle did not witness the attack but said she heard "terrible screaming" and then saw Alex running toward home covered with blood.

"I just couldn't believe it," she said. "His cheek was hanging down from him face. I just yelled to call an ambulance and wrapped him in a bath towel. It was horrible."

The painter had been working at the neighbor's house for about a week, always bringing his dog with him.

"All the neighbors have nice, gentle dogs," she said. "My son just loves dogs. He's gentle to all animals so I know it wasn't his fault."

Anderson said the Humane Society receives about 130 calls a year about dogs attacking other animals or humans.

"It's far too common," she said. "People have to realize that dogs can be a lethal weapon."

The dog involved in the attack is brown-black. His owner drives a primer gray Suzuki Samurai, Anderson said.

Reach Christie Wilson at cwilson@honoluluadvertiser.com or (808) 244-4880.