Cops: Florida boy mauled by 2 pit bulls

10-year-old suffers severe bites from dogs

COCOA, Fla. – Cocoa police say a 10-year-old was mauled near his yard by two pit bulls Saturday afternoon.

Police said they were called to the home in the 1600 block of Nomad Street in the Sunrise Village Mobile Home park just after 3 p.m.

Officers said Antonio Young had suffered severe puncture wounds after two pitbulls attacked him.

According to officers, the child was outside playing when a child from across the street came outside.

Officers said two pit bulls came out when the door was opened and immediately charged and attacked the 10-year-old.

Antonio's mom Katie Young allowed WKMG-TV to speak with the boy when he got home from the hospital. He said he's still in pain and afraid to go outside.

Antonio said he was waiting for a friend when the dogs jumped on him unprovoked.

"I thought I was going to be getting bit on the body forever and that nobody was going to get me," said Antonio.

Police said it took two neighbors to pull the dogs off the child, who suffered severe lacerations to the head, neck, ear, arm and back.

Antonio was taken to Wuestoff Medical Center where he was treated. Doctors were forced to put in dozens of stitches and bandage the majority of his head.

Doctors said Antonio will have permanent scarring, but his mom worries about how the attack will leave him feeling mentally.

"I'm concerned about him emotionally. Even at the hospital, him saying that he doesn't want to come home due to this or go outside," she said.

Brevard County Animal Control took possession of the dogs. It is unclear if the dog's owner faces any charges.