Pit bull mauls mother, daughter

Dog wandered into yard; attacked 8-year-old in the face

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updated 1:22 p.m. ET July 11, 2005

SANTA ROSA, Calif. - A mother and her eight-year-old daughter have been injured in a pit bull attack in Santa Rosa, California.

The dog walked into their yard yesterday through an open gate.

The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Department says the dog, named Smokey, got loose from a neighbor’s house where it was staying while its owner moved.

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Authorities say it attacked eight-year-old Annette Rojas, locking onto her face. Bystanders fought it off with a pool cue, hoe and crowbard that were nearby. The dog turned at attack the mother, biting her on the arm before she got free.

She’s been released from the hospital and the child is listed in fair condition with deep cuts to her face. A hospital spokesman says some of the cuts will likely leave permanent scars.

Animal control authorities are holding the dog and will investigate the attack.