Brazilian boy bites attacking dog

RIO DE JANEIRO, July 24 (UPI) -- A young Brazilian boy being attacked by a pit bull bit the dog in self-defense, causing the canine to flee, the boy's grandmother said.

Eleven-year-old Gabriel da Silva was playing in his family's garden when the animal, a family pet, attacked him. However, da Silva fought back by biting the dog, O Globo reported Thursday.

The boy reportedly only suffered minor injuries, said police.