MARKSVILLE, La. (KALB) - A Marksville mother is speaking out after her 11-year-old son was viciously attacked by a dog in their community. She is hoping her story raises awareness about the dangers of aggressive animals, especially as more children head outdoors during summer break.
Kriss Nogess said August 4, 2024, was a typical Sunday. Her family had just returned from church when her son took their puppy outside.
That is when she said things turned terrifying.
“I heard him yelling, ‘Help, Mama, help,‘” Nogess said.
Nogess said she ran outside and found her son in a headlock with a pit bull.
“When I got there, I just...I didn’t know what the best course of action was,” Nogess said. “I just knew I had to protect him.”
She grabbed a post digger and fought the dog off her son. He suffered three deep lacerations to the face and required 40 stitches.
Nogess said the dog was impounded, but not for long.
“After that impoundment, there was never a hearing to determine if the dog was dangerous,” Nogess said. “The owner got the dog back. The only ticket they received was for not having the dog on a leash.”
She said she did not feel supported by the officials handling the case.
“It’s hurtful. It makes me feel unsafe. It makes me feel alone,” Nogess said. “I do believe in law and order.”
Nogess also said the attack was not the first incident involving the same dog.
“The dog had previously come into my yard and attacked our fur baby, Rocco,” Nogess said. “To this day, Rocco is missing his right ear from that attack.”
The experience, she said, has traumatized her son. He now has nightmares, panic attacks and struggles with self-confidence. He is currently in therapy.
“I don’t want him to live in fear, but I do want to make sure he has the resources to move forward and find some sense of normalcy,” Nogess said.
She said she wants to build a fence around her yard to help her family feel safe again, but medical expenses have made that difficult.
“The medical expenses have been a burden. We just can’t afford to prioritize a fence right now,” Nogess said. “So, I’m hoping our community will stand with us and help us reclaim a little peace.”
She said the dog was temporarily relocated on May 1 and that she is now waiting on a judge’s decision on whether the dog can return to the community or remain permanently removed.
When asked what she feared most, Nogess did not hesitate.
“If the owner is negligent, I can’t stop another attack,” Nogess said. “That’s what scares me most is having no protection.”
To help with the cost of building a fence, Nogess has created a GoFundMe.
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