Dog attacks child, owner arrested

TAMPA - A 2-year-old girl injured by a large dog Tuesday night is listed in serious condition following surgery at Tampa General Hospital, a hospital spokesperson announced today.

Mia Kinsman was attacked while playing at her home, Hillsborough Sheriff's spokesperson Debbie Carter said. Carter said the 2-year-old dog, a Mastiff mixed breed, broke free from a chain and bit the child's head.

A friend had brought the dog to Kinsman's home on North Armenia Avenue, Carter said.

Deputies arrested the dog's owner David Arthur, 38, on an unrelated warrant. Carter said Arthur was also cited for owning an aggressive dog and allowing his animal's registration expire.

The dog, named Hunter, will be euthanized.

Investigators said Arthur, from jail, offered this detail about the dog:

"Of the dog's favorite play items -- and how he would play with him -- was tug of war with a life-sized teddy bear," stated Sgt. Pam Perry of Hillsborough Animal Services.

Perry said Arthur might well face criminal counts. As for Mia's parents, negligence charges are not likely.

"It's not negligence, it's ignorance," she added.