Mentor Mom Says Pit Bull “Took Her Daughter’s Face Off” in Vicious Attack

MENTOR, Ohio — In the afternoon of October 4, around 1:30 p.m., Mentor Police and Mentor Fire Rescue responded to 8150 Rushton Drive after reports that a dog had attacked a 4‑year‑old girl and her mother, city officials said.

The injured child Carina was transported by Mentor Fire Rescue to Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital, the press release states, due to the severity of her injuries. The mother Alexis Higham also sustained bite injuries from the dog.

No formal charges have been announced. The case remains under investigation and the Mentor Police Department is coordinating with the Lake County Dog Warden to determine whether criminal charges will apply. The dog has been placed in quarantine in compliance with state law.

A local news report from WKYC identifies the dog as a pit bull type. According to that report, the child suffered serious facial injuries, including damage requiring reconstructive surgery, and the mother intends to press charges.

In interviews, the mother described a traumatic scene. “I watched the dog take her face off,” she said, according to media coverage.

Mentor officials did not confirm details about the dog’s history, owner, or prior incidents, citing the active nature of the investigation. The city’s press release also noted no further information is available at this time.

Local authorities must now evaluate evidence, interview witnesses, and determine whether the dog’s owner violated Ohio’s statutes on dangerous or vicious animals. If criminal penalties are pursued, the Lake County Dog Warden’s findings, including vaccination records, past complaints, and quarantine results, could be essential.

The child’s medical condition remains serious; her transfer to a specialized children’s hospital suggests trauma beyond superficial bites. The press release did not specify her current medical status or prognosis.

In closing remarks to the media, the mother pleaded for accountability, stating that she would “see justice done” through legal channels.

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UPDATE: The Mentor Police Department has been in constant contact with the Lake County Dog Warden since the dog attack which occurred on October 4th on Rushton Drive.

The dog involved in the attack of the 4-year-old was willfully surrendered to the dog warden last night (October 8, 2025) and euthanized this morning. The other two dogs in the home were also surrendered and euthanized.

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