Dog Attack: 8-Year-Old Daughter Of Politician Attacked By Pit Bull In Family’s Care

An 8-year-old daughter of a New Jersey politician is the victim of a dog attack after a pit bull became aggressive inside the home. Delaware Online reports that the girl mauled by the dog is Emily Ruckle, daughter of Newark Councilman Todd Ruckle.

The incident happened Saturday around 1 p.m. at the Ruckle’s home in Stafford. The girl was taken to Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children in Rockland then later transferred to Children’s Hospital of Pennsylvania. She was listed in critical condition that afternoon.

Todd Ruckle’s daughter was bitten several times and sustained soft-tissue wounds, which resulted in blood loss, according to New Castle County paramedics. Emily’s mother, Maria Ruckle, says she was in surgery by 8 p.m. Saturday.

Councilman Ruckle expressed his angst over his daughter’s mauling on his Facebook page.

“Today is the hardest day of my life. My daughter is alive and will survive. She has 4 to 6 hours of surgery with three different teams of surgeons. We are praying we can save her arm. I am truly in need of love and support. Please send every ounce of positive thoughts right now.”

Authorities believe if it weren’t for Emily’s 15-year-old sister, the injuries could’ve been far worse because she managed to fight off the dog and get help. Until paramedics arrived, she helped control Emily’s bleeding.

Even after the girl’s older sister dialed 911, the pit bull remained aggressive — preventing them from leaving the room. Once police arrived, she was able to carry her sister out. When paramedics arrived at the scene, however, the dog blocked them from coming in. A Newark police officer shot the dog dead.

The sister was able to carry the victim out of the room after police arrived, however. The dog’s behavior prevented paramedics from immediately treating the victim, so the dog was shot and killed by a Newark officer.

Emily Ruckle’s older sister is getting much praise for her heroic efforts in helping save her.

The pit bull that attacked Emily wasn’t a pet of the family’s, but someone else’s dog the family was caring for.

Newark officials issued a statement on Sunday.

“The Ruckle family would like to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers, but have asked that the media and public respect their privacy during this difficult time.”

According to 6ABC, neighbor Dee Wagman she tells the station that her children would often go over and play at Emily’s house. She knew how dangerous the animal could be.

“They would ensure me that the dog was locked separately and they would have no contact with that dog.”

Clearly everyone feared a bad situation or that a dog attack was possible with the dangerous dog.

[Photo Credit: Facebook via Daily Mirror]