15 January 2023 , 01:14
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A schoolboy lost 70 per cent of his scalp after he was torn from his bicycle by three loose pit bulls.
Justin Gilstrap was cycling through his US neighbourhood when the ferocious dogs attacked his leg and head.
The 11-year-old had half of his ear missing by the time police arrived.
His cousin Mason Aguilar called 911 when the dogs pounced on Friday and dragged the boy into a ditch on the side of the road.
"All I hear is screaming ‘help, help, help,’" Mason told Fox News.
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"I thought my cousin was at his house playing a game, then I see him sitting there in the ditch with three dogs and blood everywhere saying 'Mason help'."
Dog owner Burt Baker reportedly told police his dogs enjoy chasing people on bicycles.
Justin was pulled off his bike by the dogs (Family Handout/Fox13)He was arrested shortly after and charged with reckless conduct in Columbia, South Carolina.
Justin’s mum Ericka Gilstrap said there isn’t an inch of her son's body that does not have a cut or bruise.
"His life will never be the same again," she told WRDW.
Mason’s mum Kellie Aguilar said this is not the first time the family has filed a complaint about Baker’s dogs.
"Nobody’s ever done anything," Ericka added.
"They just run loose. They’re not behind the fence. They’re not tied up. They run loose 24/7."
Justin has been suffering a fever and just left surgery where some of his skin from his leg and scalp were removed, according to Ericka's Facebook.
The youngster is due to have an integra graft, which doctors say should begin soon.
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This skin graft is typically taken from the patient's thigh, buttocks or forearm, depending on the surface area of the wound or burn.
A gofundme page has been set up to help offset the medical costs for Justin.
The fundraiser is just $2,000 away from reaching its $200,000 goal, which will go towards paying for the treatment.