11-Year-Old Boy Miraculously Survived After Being Mauled by Three Pit Bulls in Georgia

An 11-year-old Georgia boy was left with 17 open wounds after three dogs attacked him while he was riding a four-wheeler with his best friend.

Banner O'Berry, an Atco Middle School football player, was attacked near Wood Duck Road in Axson, Atkinson County, at around 3.30pm on 13 September, according to the Atkinson County Sheriff's Office.

Banner's mother, Jessica O'Berry, was in Utah when she received the devastating news.

'Jessica, I'm so sorry, but Banner was attacked and he's hurt bad,' she recalled being told in a Facebook post.

According to Jessica, Banner and his best friend, Karson Clayton, were riding the four-wheeler when it broke down. As the boys attempted to fix it, three dogs ran towards them from across an open field.

The children climbed on top of the vehicle, but one of the dogs reportedly grabbed Banner by the ankle and pulled him down. The other two animals then joined the attack.

The sheriff's office said the main attacking dog was a pit bull. The breeds of the other two dogs have not been identified.

Friend Intervenes During Attack

Jessica said Banner had only a pair of pliers with him as he attempted to defend himself.

'From the events I was told, Banner had nothing but a pair of pliers in his hands. He managed to grab one of the dogs and hold it down while trying to fight the others with those pliers,' she wrote.

Karson also intervened, throwing objects at the dogs and screaming for help.

'Meanwhile, [his best friend] stayed with [Banner], throwing any and everything he could, screaming and doing absolutely everything in his power to get those dogs away from Banner and get help,' Jessica said.

Karson was eventually able to call for assistance. His parents, who lived less than a mile away, rushed to the scene.

Jessica said the dogs' owner also arrived and removed the animals. She alleged, however, that he did not provide assistance to her son.

'He looked at Banner bleeding and never asked if he was ok, never called 911, never administrated aid, and only grabbed the dogs and left,' she wrote.

Banner was taken to Coffee Regional Medical Center, where he underwent about three and a half hours of surgery. Jessica said doctors closed 17 open wounds on his legs. He remains in recovery.

Dog Held as Investigation Continues

The Atkinson County Sheriff's Office said one of the dogs involved has been taken into custody for a 10-day hold while the attack is investigated. Officials are also seeking to have the dog declared a 'dangerous dog'.

Under Georgia law, such a designation can require secure confinement, leashing, supervision and other measures to protect the public.

No arrests have been announced and no charges have been filed in connection with the attack. The investigation remains active.

Jessica has praised both boys for their actions during the ordeal.

'Today three vicious mutts picked a fight with the wrong two 11-year-olds,' she wrote. 'Those boys were brave. They were courageous. They fought for each other. And today, my baby is still here. He will have a courageous story to tell.'

Banner's recovery continues, while authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack and determine what further action may be taken.