Pit Bull Reportedly Mauls 3-Year-Old Winton Boy

WINTON (CBS13) -- A 3-year-old Winton boy was badly injured after the family's dog bit him in the head and face on Monday, according to the sheriff's department.

The Merced County Sheriff's Office received a call at about 5 p.m. on Monday from the 7000 block of Royalty Avenue regarding the attack. An adult male pit bull named "Smokey" reportedly was in the back yard when a brother of the victim opened a patio door and the dog charged in.

There was no apparent provocation for the attack and the dog went straight for the little boy inside the house, according to the sheriff's office. Family members were able to chase the dog back outside and prevent it from coming near the child until deputies arrived on scene and took custody of the dog.

The child was flown to a Fresno hospital. He suffered severe injuries but is expected to recover. The dog was surrendered by the owners and after testing for rabies, the dog will be euthanized, the sheriff's office said.

No criminal charges will be filed at this time since there was no evidence of neglect and the dog has no history of this type of behavior, the sheriff's office said.