Jacksonville, Florida — A routine school morning turned traumatic for a Jacksonville family after a 4-year-old boy lost his ear in a sudden dog attack while waiting for a school bus with his mother, according to police and family statements.
The incident happened on Nov. 20, when Tracy Moore and her young son Roland Moore were standing outside their home preparing for the school day. According to an incident report filed by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, two dogs approached the pair and initially appeared friendly.
Dogs appeared calm before sudden attack
Authorities said the mother and child began petting the dogs, believing there was no immediate danger. Moments later, the situation escalated without warning.
Police reported that the dogs suddenly attacked Roland, biting his left ear. When officers arrived at the scene, they found the child with severe injuries.
According to the responding officer’s report, the boy’s ear was “hanging from the side of his head.”
Mother injured while trying to protect her child
As the attack unfolded, Tracy Moore attempted to shield her son from further harm. In doing so, she was also bitten.
“Tracy explained while she was trying to protect her son, she was attacked as well,” authorities wrote in the incident report, noting that one of the dogs bit both mother and child.
Police said Tracy sustained minor injuries, while Roland’s wounds were far more severe and required immediate medical attention.
Dogs flee, owner not immediately identified
A witness told investigators that after the attack, the dogs ran into a nearby neighbor’s yard. Officers canvassed the area but were unable to immediately identify who owned the animals.
According to the incident report, police were “unable to determine the identity of the owner of the two dogs” at the time of the initial response.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office did not immediately release details about the breed of the dogs involved.
Child hospitalized for a week
Roland was rushed to the hospital, where doctors worked to assess the extent of his injuries. Tracy Moore later wrote in a GoFundMe campaign that her son remained hospitalized for nearly a week following the attack.
Despite medical efforts, doctors ultimately determined that the damage to his ear was too severe.
After days of treatment, doctors made the difficult decision to amputate Roland’s ear, his mother said.
“It was heartbreaking to see Roland in so much pain, terrified and facing the possibility of losing a part of himself,” Tracy wrote in the fundraiser description.
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Family says dogs were euthanized
In her online fundraising post, Tracy Moore stated that the dogs involved in the attack have since been euthanized. Authorities have not publicly confirmed that detail, and it remains unclear whether any citations or criminal charges will be filed against a dog owner.
Animal control procedures and investigations often depend on factors such as vaccination records, prior incidents, and ownership verification.
Fundraiser launched for medical and legal costs
Following the attack, Tracy launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover medical bills and potential legal expenses. She said the family is now facing long-term recovery challenges, both physically and emotionally.
Roland’s injuries are expected to require ongoing medical care, and his mother said the experience has left him fearful and traumatized.
Incident raises safety concerns for families
The attack has renewed concerns among Jacksonville residents about dog safety, particularly in neighborhoods where children wait outside for school buses.
Animal behavior experts often caution that even dogs that appear calm or friendly can react unpredictably, especially around young children.
Police have not announced whether additional measures will be taken in the area or whether further information about the dogs’ ownership has been uncovered since the incident.
Investigation continues
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the case remains under review, with animal control and local authorities involved in determining whether any violations occurred.
For Tracy Moore and her family, the focus remains on Roland’s recovery and helping him cope with the lasting effects of the attack.
What are your thoughts on dog safety in residential neighborhoods and accountability after attacks like this? Share your views in the comments below.
