Boy, 11, Suffers 17 Wounds in Dog Attack While Playing

An 11-year-old boy from Atkinson, Georgia, sustained 17 open wounds to his legs during a dog attack while playing outside with a friend. The incident occurred on Sunday when the boy, Banner O’Berry, and his teammate’s four-wheeler broke down. As they dismounted to repair it, they noticed three dogs approaching rapidly.

According to Banner’s mother, Jessica O’Berry, the boys attempted to climb onto the four-wheeler for safety. However, one dog managed to grab Banner by the ankle and pull him off, with the other two dogs joining the attack. Banner reportedly used a pair of pliers to defend himself while his friend tried to ward off the animals.

The attack left Banner with significant injuries, necessitating three and a half hours of surgery at Coffee Regional Medical Center. His mother shared that Banner, in pain, called her from the ambulance asking her to inform his football coach of his inability to finish the season.

The dogs involved in the incident have been taken into custody by the Atkinson County Sheriff’s Office for a 10-day hold. Chief Daniel Knapik identified one of the dogs as a pit bull, with the other two believed to be a mix of hound and terrier breeds. The sheriff’s office is pursuing a court order to classify the dogs as “vicious animals” and has served notice to their owners.

Following the attack, Banner is recovering and was able to attend his football team's game on September 16, cheering them on from the sidelines in a wheelchair. His mother posted photos of him at the game, with bandages visible on his legs, expressing that seeing him there