LOGAN — Animal control officers have located the gray and white pit bull suspected of biting a 32-year-old Logan man Friday afternoon and causing severe injuries to his face. The attack left Parley Goodrich’s lip partially bitten off and bite marks on his nose.
Logan City Police Capt. Curtis Hooley said officers found the dog, named Ruger, Wednesday morning. The animal was tested and will be quarantined for 10 days.
“Obviously, they will watch [the dog] to see if there is any disease, such as rabies and those kinds of things,” explained Hooley. “As far as the process with the owner and the dog itself, we are still doing some investigative work in regards to what happened when the individual was bit and what the dog’s history is.
“The case will then be sent to the County Attorney’s Office, to determine what type of action will be taken against the owner of the animal and what the disposition of the animal will be.”
Goodrich said the attack occurred as he was getting home from work. He had just pulled in his driveway at 400 South 100 West and got out of his vehicle when he saw the dog walking by. As he reached down to pet the animal, it lunged at his face.
Goodrich underwent a five-hour operation. Doctors had to use more than 300 stitches and a skin graft, to attempt to repair his face. He will also need additional facial surgeries in the near future.
Hooley said officers have contacted the dog’s owners, who live near Goodrich. They are trying to cooperate with the investigation.
“In the end, [Goodrich] was bit on the face by a dog and the owner is somewhat responsible for that, in regards to if the animal should have been contained, if they knew it was an animal that had the propensity to bite and some of those things.”
Officers suspect the dog was previously involved in a similar type incident.
Goodrich’s sister, Alicia Garcia, explained their family is now trying to help her brother get through this ordeal and begin healing. She said, “No one should ever have to go through this, regardless of what people are saying.” She has started a Gofundme account to raise money to assist with the accruing medical costs.
Good thing they found the owner! There owner’s home owner’s policy should cover medical, lost wages, and pain and suffering.