A quiet walk to the basketball courts in Polacca, Arizona, turned into a frightening ordeal for a young boy and his family after he was attacked by dogs while heading out to play.
The incident, shared publicly by his mother Jasmine Naha on Facebook, has since ignited widespread concern, emotional responses, and renewed calls for stronger measures to address aggressive and roaming dogs within local villages.
According to the family’s account, the boy, known affectionately as Lando, was walking alone to the basketball courts behind his father’s house, something he often enjoyed doing as part of growing up and gaining independence.
In a matter of moments, several dogs approached and attacked him.
He sustained seven puncture wounds that ultimately required 16 stitches. The attack happened quickly, leaving little time for the child to react or escape.
The family credits an unnamed gentleman who rushed to the boy’s aid and intervened immediately, likely preventing the situation from becoming far worse.
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Jasmine Naha said she was at work at the time and unaware of the incident until she received the call.
She wrote, “May heart dropped,” describing the fear of learning what had happened to her child.
Despite the severity of the injuries, the boy has been described as resilient and in good spirits.
He is recovering during his winter break and expressed gratitude to the nurses, emergency medical services, and Officer Waters for responding swiftly and ensuring he received proper care.
The family emphasized how thankful they were that the injuries were not life-threatening.
Jasmine Naha shared the story not only to update loved ones but to raise awareness about an ongoing issue in the community, dog attacks on the reservation. She wrote,
“You don’t think it’s going to happen to you or anyone,” , “but today it happened to our boy.”
Jasmine Naha
She urged dog owners to chain aggressive animals, ensure dogs are vaccinated, and remain mindful that children regularly walk around the village to play, visit friends, and attend community activities.
The post quickly drew dozens of comments, many expressing relief that the child survived and offering prayers for his recovery.
Nuvavensie Dawahoya-Antone thanked the man who helped rescue the boy and stressed that aggressive dogs must be chained or fenced.
She wrote,
“Owners need to be held accountable for their fur babies. No ifs, ands, or buts about it,”
Jasmine Naha
Others echoed similar sentiments. Len Natsii suggested implementing leash laws and mandatory pet registration across villages, acknowledging such steps might be unpopular but necessary.
Glad he is okay. Maybe the villages need to start to implement a leash law. I know we may not want it but we need to start somewhere. With a leash law all dogs not leashed can be considered not owned and subjected to be picked up. Also include mandatory registration for all pets in villages. Have village members take accountability for their fur-babies. Need to start somewhere
Len Natsii
Several commenters shared their own traumatic experiences. Eve Bahnimptewa recounted losing her dog to a pack of aggressive dogs, describing the anger and heartbreak that followed.
Aww glad they were able to chase them off. I lost my fur son to a pack of aggressive dogs too I was so mad and hurt at the same time I almost remedied it myself but luckily there was a person in the animal control at the time that it was addressed. Hope he has a swift and painless recovery
Eve Bahnimptewa
Resse Saufkie shared that a child in their family was once attacked and dragged by Great Danes, leaving a lasting fear of dogs.
Philynn Quochytewa wrote about both of her daughters being bitten and narrowly avoiding more severe injuries.
I’m glad he is ok., same situation with both my girls the oldest got bit and we too had to take her to ER several ponchers but barley missed the fat. And your right I didn’t think it’ll ever happen to us as well.. prayers for a speedy recovery
Philynn Quochytewa
Community members also voiced frustration with what they see as inaction.
Ryan Pawesiema stated that the family plans to gather paperwork, witness statements, hospital photos, and police reports to bring the issue before village leadership.
We will wait till things are done out here. Then we will get paperwork started, witness statements, hospital statements (photos), officer report.
Ryan Pawesiema
The village will hear from US, and we will wait and see what they do. If it’s nothing? We will proceed further with getting something DONE.
We’re lucky, that it wasn’t worse.
Come on ALL VILLAGES!! Does a child have to DIE in order for us to all get off our ASS??
Then we will see what our new leaders will do. It has been too many attacks all over.
Others focused on emotional support for the child. Messages described him as a “tough cookie,” sent hugs and prayers, and expressed relief at seeing him smiling in photos.
Many acknowledged how common it is for children to feel safe walking around their village, and how devastating it is when that sense of safety is shattered.
