Over $20,000 in donations has been raised for a 12-year-old boy who was mauled by a dog while trying to protect his younger siblings.

As reported by Fox 2 Detroit, the incident occurred on Monday when Deacon Ashmore, 12, was playing outside with his two younger sisters, his younger brother, and some other kids in their Detroit neighborhood.

Young Ashmore then noticed pit bull-mixes start to race toward his siblings.

Instinctively, the big brother threw himself between the dogs and the other kids - giving them the opportunity to run back home to safety. Sadly, however, Deacon suffered the consequences and was mauled by the dogs.

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Speaking to Fox, Deacon said: "They got me back behind my leg."

The boy's mom, Elisabeth Ashmore, said: "Deacon came hobbling in, and there were chunks of skin falling off and there was blood everywhere."

People reports how Deacon was bitten badly on the left leg, with one of the dog's teeth puncturing his calf down to the bone.

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He was reportedly able to free himself from the dog's jaws after screaming: "Bad dog! Bad dog!"

Speaking to Fox, his father, Peter Ashmore, said: "You know, the biggest concern was ligament and tendon damage.

"We were really grateful, God was really good, because when you think about it on your calf, your Achilles is right there, you know. And just all the ligaments coming down, that connect. A couple of spots you can see, maybe a couple of centimeters this way or the other, and it could’ve been really dicey. That’s a serious kind of injury."

Despite being expected to make a full recovery, a GoFundMe was set up in an effort to help with Deacon's medical bills and physiotherapy.

The fundraiser explains: "Deacon stepped between the two dogs and his siblings so they could run to the house, but in doing so had his leg badly mangled. He had surgery Tuesday morning to repair his calf. Deacon will have medical bills which may include physical therapy.

"Along with financial help Deacon can use your prayers for his spirits to stay up and his leg heals without complications."

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As of this writing, over $21,000 has been raised of the $30,000 target.

Such an incredibly brave thing for somebody so young to do! Well done, Deacon! Good luck in your recovery.

Featured image credit: Enigma / Alamy

Over $20,000 raised for boy mauled by dog in an effort to protect his younger siblings