Pit Bull Bites Off Part Of Man's Tongue

PONTIAC (WWJ/AP) - Authorities say a Rochester man had a substantial part of his tongue bitten off by a dog that he was "attempting to befriend."

According to officials with the Oakland County sheriff's department, the 33-year-old man was visiting with the pit bull's owner Wednesday night — in the 800 block of N. Perry  in Pontiac —  when he stuck out his tongue while face to face with the dog.

The department says that's when the pet lashed out.

The man was taken to McLaren Hospital for treatment. Investigators said the severed portion of the man's tongue wasn't recovered and was likely to have been swallowed by the dog.

The department said this was the second dog bite reported involving this same dog in roughly the past four months.

The dog will be quarantined for 10 days — but what will become of the animal after that was unclear as of Thursday afternoon.

Oakland County Animal Control is investigating.

The Michigan Humane society cautions people to be careful about how they approach a dog they don't know. They say to always ask the owner's permission first. Then, talk quietly and gently as you let the animal sniff the back of your hand. Never put your face close to the dog's face.

Experts also recommend turning your body sideways to present a more submissive, nonthreatening posture, and then watching carefully for the dog's reaction before attempting to pet it.

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