HOWARD CITY, Mich. — Editor's note: Some of the images in this report may not suitable for all readers.
A 5-year-old boy is recovering in the hospital after his family says two dogs attacked him Thursday afternoon in Howard City.
Ashley White, the mother of 5-year-old Hunter, told 13 ON YOUR SIDE that the incident happened at the boy's grandmother's house in the 8600 block of Algonac Trail Thursday afternoon.
She says Hunter was outside playing with his 3-year-old sister when two dogs described as Pitbulls got out of their neighbor's son's van.
The man was apparently getting something out of the van when the dogs jumped out, ran and then attacked Hunter, White says.
The grandmother was inside when the attack happened, and White says her 3-year-old daughter rushed inside to get help.
White says Hunter suffered broken bones and many bad gashes to his neck, face and head. He's at the hospital recovering and has already undergone surgery, White says.
"I'm worried he's not going to want to go around his grandma's and not feel safe being outside," said White. "Being around dogs and getting close to any type of dog. The trauma of the whole event."
The Michigan State Police are investigating the incident.
Montcalm County Animal Control is helping with the MSP investigation and took possession of the dogs. They have since been euthanized, and a rabies test was submitted.
Montcalm County Animal Control told 13 ON YOUR SIDE that the owner of the dogs did not have dog licenses for them, and that officials have submitted charges for his arrest.
There were no prior complaints about the dog's owner, animal control said.
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