A young girl reportedly suffered an attack by a dog that entered the backyard of her family’s home in Independence, Mo., and she may face permanent brain damage as a result.
As of Tuesday, Oct. 15, the investigation is ongoing, and Detective Jack Taylor of the Independence police indicates that it could result in criminal charges.
A 5-year-old girl, known to authorities as Aletha, remains in critical condition as of Monday.
Aletha was assaulted at approximately 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 8, resulting in “severe lacerations” from the attack, as stated in a police press release issued on the day of the incident.
She was swiftly transported by ambulance to a medical facility.
“Early indications are that an unrestrained dog entered the fenced-in backyard of the residence where the child and adult were,” police said in the release.
The investigator informs PEOPLE that the dog was taken into custody by Animal Services on the day of the incident, and that the animal has since been put down.
According to a fundraiser established by her father’s employer, Andy Davies reports that Aletha was enjoying time in the backyard when she was attacked by a neighbor’s dog.
“Aletha suffered devastating injuries, including a skull fracture, a broken collarbone and a broken rib,” Davies wrote on the campaign post, noting that Aletha had been placed in a medically induced coma “and is fighting for her life in intensive care.”
“Because of the loss of blood and oxygen, doctors fear Aletha may have suffered permanent brain damage,” Davies wrote.
Reference: 5-Year-Old in Coma and ‘Fighting for Her Life’ After Being Mauled by Dog