A pitbull was being hailed heroic just seconds before becoming vilified by beach goers last Friday afternoon in Daytona Beach, Floriida.

A 4 year old toddler was out enjoying the water in his inflatable tube when suddenly he lost balance and dropped into the water. As a poor swimmer without a life jacket the young boy struggled to stay afloat at nearly 300 feet offshore.

A local pitbull named Princess rushed into the water and swam out towards the boy. She dragged him back to shore saving his life before proceeding to maul him.

He was immediately taken to a nearby hospital with minor injuries to the face and neck. The boy is expected to make a full recovery.

Local animal control took Princess in however many residents are saying she should be released back to her owner. One witness stated “Shes a hero and should be free to go”.

Another bystander said “That dog may have mauled the kids face but she saved him and he was practically asking for it being a bratty kid”.

For now Princess remains at the Daytona Beach pound.