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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
World
Liam Buckler & William McGee

Boy, 11, has scalp torn off after he is viciously attacked by three pit bulls

A 11-year-old boy had 70 per cent of his scalp torn off after he was set upon by three vicious pit bulls.

Justin Gilstrap, from Georgia, US, was riding his bike near Grovetown on January 6 when he was attacked by the savage pack.

The dogs pulled the schoolboy into a ditch, nearly tore his ear off, and left him with a torn scalp and bite wounds to his legs.

He was hospitalised following the brutal attack, police in Columbia County confirmed.

Justin has since undergone multiple surgeries after 70 per cent of Justin's scalp was torn off in the violent attack, according to his distraught mum Ericka Gilstrap.

The attack was noticed when his screams were heard by his 11-year-old cousin who raised the alarm.

Burt Baker III was seized for reckless conduct on the same day as the attack (Columbia County Sheriff's Office/CEN)
70 per cent of Justin's scalp was torn off by three pit bulls (CEN)

Emergency services were quickly called to the scene and rushed him to hospital.

Columbia County Sheriff's Office told local media that the dangerous pets' owner "admitted that the dogs were his and later stated they like to chase people on bicycles".

Accused Burt Baker III, 26, was seized for reckless conduct on the same day as the attack.

He posted a bail bond and awaits trial in freedom.

Columbia County Animal Services had previously issued him warnings for allowing the dogs to run free, according to reports.

Mum Ericka has launched an online fundraiser to pay for her son's hospital bills.

He is recovering after the vicious attack (CEN)
His body was covered in injuries following the attack (CEN)

She wrote: "I am asking everyone to please pray for Justin. He was attacked by 3 pit bulls tonight [January 6]. He was rushed in for emergency surgery.

"He is currently intubated and sedated at CHOG in PICU. He is missing 70 per cent of his scalp, has several lacerations and staples, they couldn’t close the wound on his leg, and now he’s running a fever.

"The sad thing is we have reported these dogs several times before. Columbia County did nothing. It’s sad it took this for them to finally do something.

"I am a single mum of four so I am sure I will have to be out of work for a little bit plus all of Justin’s medical bills being he is going to have to have a few more surgeries.

"I hate asking for anything but right now I am worried about everything. Any help is appreciated."

At the time of writing, the fundraiser had raised $93,227 (£76,000) of its $120,000 (£98,000) goal.

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