Xi'an police announced on Tuesday that two suspects were detained on criminal charges related to a dog attack that injured a boy. Photo: screenshot of police statement

Xi'an police announced on Tuesday that two suspects were detained on criminal charges related to a dog attack that injured a boy. The remains of the dog involved have been recovered. The injured 4-year-old boy, Zhang Yichuan is receiving hospital treatment and is reported to be in stable condition, according to CCTV News.

The dog attack incident occurred on Saturday in Huokou village, Baqiao district, in Xi'an, capital city of Northwest China's Shaanxi Province. After receiving the report, police promptly arrived at the scene and initiated an investigation by analyzing public video content, carrying out door-to-door searches and gathering public information.

Investigations revealed that Guo (male, 34) owned the dog responsible for the attack. The dog escaped without restraint onto a village road, where it attacked and injured the boy. After the incident, Guo attempted to evade responsibility by relocating the dog, killing it, and burying its remains to conceal evidence. Zhang (male, 42) aided Guo in the cover-up by giving false statements to the police.

Both suspects were detained on criminal charges. The remains of the dog have been recovered, and further investigations into the case are ongoing.

According to the Red Star News on Monday, the attack occurred while Zhang Yichuan was playing near the village entrance. He sustained severe injuries and was unconscious when his family arrived. On Sunday evening, the boy was undergoing emergency treatment in the ICU at Xi'an Children's Hospital, where his condition remained critical.

Photos of Zhang's injuries depict two major lacerations above his left eyebrow and brow bone, as well as multiple bite wounds on his arms and legs. His medical records describe "dog bites to the head, face, and neck, causing extensive avulsion injuries, and multiple lacerations on the upper and lower right limbs."

Zhang's father told the Red Star News on Sunday afternoon that if the ongoing anti-infection treatment proves ineffective, blood replacement therapy may be necessary. 

Doctors informed the father that facial disfigurement is unavoidable. While the Zhang's eyeballs are currently intact, the condition of the tissues beneath them remains uncertain. There is a possibility of strabismus (misalignment of the eyes) and asymmetry of the mouth, which may cause water leakage while drinking. One of his ears was torn off by the dog and will require surgical treatment. Even if the ear is reattached, it may remain non-functional, according to the Red Star News.