The dogs that attacked a 7-year-old St. Paul girl last week, leaving her in need of plastic surgery, have been given up to authorities.
The attack happened last Thursday afternoon in the city’s Frogtown neighborhood, where Sumaya Farah Ali was set upon by a pack of dogs — described as pit bulls — after she stepped off her school bus.
Though a Good Samaritan was able to scare the animals away, Sumaya lost pieces of nose, ear, and thigh in the attack. She is now recovering at home after a hospital stay, but her family is seeking donations through a GoFundMe campaign to fund reconstructive treatments.
St. Paul Police spokesperson Sgt. Mike Ernster told BMTN via email that investigators have identified the owner of the five dogs, all of whom have been surrendered to St Paul Animal Control.
The owner, who has not been identified yet, is cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
“When the investigation is complete the investigator will work with either the Ramsey County Attorney or Saint Paul City Attorney for the most appropriate level of charges,” Ernster said. “That process will also most likely lead to a decision on the fate of the animals.”