Police shoot, kill dog after teen attacked in West Philadelphia

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Monday, February 8, 2016
VIDEO: West Philly dog attack
A West Philadelphia teenager is in the hospital after police say she was attacked by the family dog.

WEST PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- A West Philadelphia teenager is in the hospital after police say she was attacked by the family dog.

It happened around 11:30 p.m. Saturday on the 5700 block of Pemberton Street.

Police say the 14-year-old girl was home with her friends when someone knocked on the door alarming the family's American Bulldog.

The dog escaped from a locked basement and attacked the girl, biting her in the face, arms and feet.

Her friends called 911.

Once at the home, police say the bulldog charged at the officers.

The officers retreated before being forced to fire shots at the dog. The dog did not survive.

The teen sustained numerous abrasions, lacerations and puncture wounds to her nose, right foot, right leg, both hands, both arms and right nostril.

She is recovering at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia in stable condition.

No other injuries were reported.

The investigation is ongoing.