San Angelo pit bull attack: Here's what the boy mauled in December looks like now

SAN ANGELO — Israel Costilla has more to smile about lately.

After being mauled by a pit bull in December, the 8-year-old has undergone multiple surgeries and physical therapy.

READ MORE: Pit bull will be euthanized after gruesome attack of San Angelo boy

"Israel is doing a lot better," said Ana Costilla, Israel's grandmother. "He's back in school and doing great!"

In February, Israel went to see a cosmetic surgeon at Cooks Children's Medical Center in Fort Worth, where he might have another round of surgery in August, according to family members.

"He's doing physical therapy for his mouth and massage therapy for his face," his grandmother said, "(as well as) Vitamin E, sunscreen, prayers, faith, and love."

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THE ATTACK

Israel Costilla was mauled by a pit bull named Trouble on Dec. 9, 2017 after the boy entered a home shared by his great aunt, Lisa Peden, and her then-roommate, Rayetta Trigg — the pit bull’s owner.

Costilla's injuries were gruesome.

READ MORE: Three dogs euthanized after gruesome attack of San Angelo man leaves skull exposed

Officer Green of the San Angelo Police Department saw Israel lying on a stretcher after the attack.

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“It looked like part of the child’s face had been chewed off completely,” Green said during a Jan. 11 court hearing, which concluded in a ruling the pit bull be euthanized and Trigg pay restitution to the family.

“(Israel) ended up getting 300 stitches,” Israel’s grandmother said at the time. “He’s had two surgeries since, and he’s going to have to have more facial reconstruction done and dental work."