A Florida mother is facing charges after a pit bull puppy attacked an infant girl, resulting in the amputation of several fingers.
According to an arrest affidavit cited by NBC 2, the child’s mother, 21-year-old Chloe Wisniewski of Port Charlotte, is facing a child neglect charge after leaving the baby alone in a room with the 3-month-old puppy without putting the pet in his cage.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, the incident took place on February 14, according to the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office. Wisniewski first told investigators she was feeling ill and put the baby in her bassinet before heading to the bathroom then allegedly changing her story to taking a “quick shower” when the attack occurred.
She then told investigators that she walked back to check on the baby and discovered blood everywhere and the infant’s fingers covered in blood. Wisniewski said she immediately pulled the dog away, then wrapped the infant in a blanket and called 911.
“Inside of the residence I located the bassinet, which had been moved and was positioned slightly further away from the end table than previously observed on the body worn camera. There was a pillow and worm doll with visible blood inside of the bassinet which were collected,” the affidavit read.
“A Mickey Mouse blanket, also with blood, was in the laundry room and collected. I also observed a dog cage that is capable of securing animals at the the [sic] residence.”
“Chloe stated that she had placed [the victim] down in the bassinet after feeding her and [the victim] fell asleep.
“Chloe felt like she was going to vomit and walked into the bathroom, began feeling okay for a second, and then heard [the victim] crying. Chloe exited the bathroom and saw blood at the bassinet and the puppy inside of it.
“Chloe got the puppy out of the bassinet, picked [the victim] up, and contacted 911.”
Upon arrival, first responders took the victim to Shorepoint Hospital in Port Charlotte. The infant was then airlifted to Tampa General Hospital, where three fingers on her left hand were amputated. Two fingers on the baby’s right hand underwent partial amputation.
Wisniewski was arrested on Friday following a four-month investigation into the incident.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, Wisniewski’s drug test showed positive results for THC, which contributed to her arrest on charges of child neglect.
The pup, identified as “Apollo,” was not picked up by the family after animal control quarantined him. Appollo’s current status is unclear but Florida law doesn’t mandate euthanasing animals involved in biting incidents.
Brian Jones, the division manager for Charlotte County Animal Control, told WINK News that the incident is the first of its kind he has encountered in his entire 25-year career.
Wisniewski’s next court appearance is scheduled for July 17.
[Feature Photo: Chloe Wisniewski/Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office]
