Girl, 2, mauled by dogs

TACLOBAN, Philippines —A two-year-old girl is in critical condition after she was mauled by four dogs in Calbiga, Samar on Sunday afternoon.

The victim was taken to the Samar Provincial Hospital for treatment of dog bites in the face and body.

Probers said the girl’s ears and a piece of flesh in her buttocks were ripped off.

The dogs were reportedly owned by a neighbor, who used the animal to guard his farm in Barangay Timbangan.

Initial investigation showed the victim was left under the care of her grandmother as her mother had to do some errands.

The grandmother, who was also taking care of an infant, failed to notice that the girl had gone out of the house.

The victim came across the dogs, which attacked her ferociously. She was already badly bitten when village watchmen arrived and rescued her.

Authorities said the dogs were being closely monitored as the animals have not been vaccinated against rabies.

The owner of the dogs assured the girl’s family that he would shoulder the hospital expenses and other treatment that may be required for the victim.