by Jacksonville, FL – A 4-year-old boy in Jacksonville is recovering from a traumatic dog attack that left him missing his left ear, after what began as an ordinary morning turned into a life-altering ordeal for one local family.
According to an incident report filed by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) and obtained by PEOPLE, Tracy Moore and her young son, Roland Moore, were standing outside on Nov. 20 when two dogs approached them. Authorities said the animals initially appeared friendly, prompting the mother and child to pet them.
Moments later, the situation took a horrifying turn.
Sudden Attack Leaves Child Seriously Injured
The incident report states that the dogs “suddenly” attacked the child, with one of the animals biting Roland’s left ear. When officers arrived at the scene, they found the young boy with catastrophic injuries.
The responding officer documented that the child’s ear was “hanging from the side of his head,” highlighting the severity of the attack.
Tracy Moore told officers that while she attempted to shield her son, she was also attacked. One of the dogs bit her as well, leaving her with minor injuries, according to the report.
Despite the violent encounter, the dogs fled the scene, running into a nearby neighbor’s yard. Officers were unable to identify the owner of the dogs at the time of the incident, according to police records.
Waiting for the School Bus When Attack Occurred
In a GoFundMe campaign created after the attack, Tracy Moore shared additional details about what happened that morning. She said she and her son were waiting for the school bus when the dogs approached, making the attack even more alarming due to the presence of children in the area during busy morning hours.
Roland was rushed to the hospital, where he spent a week undergoing treatment. Despite doctors’ efforts, Tracy said medical teams ultimately made the devastating decision to amputate her son’s ear due to the extent of the injuries.
“It was heartbreaking to see Roland in so much pain, terrified and facing the possibility of losing a part of himself,” Tracy wrote.
Dogs Reportedly Euthanized
According to Tracy Moore, the dogs involved in the attack have since been euthanized. It remains unclear who owned the animals or whether charges will be filed related to the incident.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has not released additional details regarding the dogs’ history or prior complaints, if any.
Family Faces Long Road to Recovery
While Roland is now recovering physically, his mother says the emotional toll of the attack has been immense. The family is now facing significant medical expenses, as well as potential legal costs, as they seek accountability and long-term care for Roland’s injuries.
The GoFundMe campaign aims to help cover:
- Medical bills and follow-up care
- Legal expenses
- Ongoing recovery and support needs
Dog attacks involving children often result in lasting physical and emotional trauma, and experts stress the importance of responsible pet ownership, secure fencing, and supervision to prevent similar incidents.
Community Safety Concerns Raised
The attack has raised concerns among Jacksonville residents about loose dogs and neighborhood safety, particularly during times when children are walking or waiting for school transportation.
Animal control and law enforcement agencies urge residents to report roaming dogs immediately, avoid approaching unfamiliar animals, and teach children basic safety practices around animals — even those that appear friendly.
Moving Forward
As Roland continues to heal, his family is focused on helping him regain a sense of normalcy while navigating the challenges ahead. His mother says community support has been overwhelming and deeply appreciated during this painful chapter.
This heartbreaking incident has sparked serious concerns about dog safety and accountability. Share your thoughts in the comments — what steps should communities take to prevent dog attacks and protect children in public spaces?
