A lady has been detained after a severe assault by a bull-mastiff-type dog left a four-year-old kid with facial and brain injuries.
Yesterday, the dog attacked the child when he was playing at his friend’s home in the Norris Green neighborhood of Liverpool, Merseyside.
A neighbor who heard the ruckus courageously intervened and separated the dog from the child before calling for assistance. According to the police, this action likely saved the child’s life.
He was sent to the hospital, where his condition is characterized as critical but stable.
Police confiscated the dog while a 31-year-old woman was detained for allegedly owning an unruly canine.
She remains in police detention, where detectives have yet to interview her.
The investigation into the event is underway.
Chris Hawitt, Detective Inspector, said, “This incident has left a small youngster with terrible injuries to his face and head, and it will have been a traumatic event for all witnesses.”
“I would want to praise the neighbor whose fast thinking and altruistic acts likely saved the life of this little kid who sustained life-altering injuries.”
“Our investigation into the incident’s full circumstances is continuing, and we have confiscated the dog for the protection of the neighborhood and to determine its breed.”
“We have a specialized Sergeant that evaluates all incidents involving dangerous dogs, and we are eager to talk with any witnesses who may have seen this occurrence or this dog in the past.”
“I want to emphasize that dog owners must always be cautious of their dog’s behavior, especially when small children are around.” And if owners bring their potentially dangerous dogs into public areas, they must keep them on a leash and muzzled.’ Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the police through Twitter (@MerPolCC) or by dialing 101 and stating reference number 929 of August 13. Alternately, you may ring Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111 to provide information anonymously.
The assault in Liverpool yesterday is the latest in a string of dog incidents to make headlines.
Ian ‘Wiggy’ Symes, 34, a professional dog walker, was declared dead at a park in Fareham, Hampshire, on Wednesday morning after reportedly being mauled by the dog he was walking. There is speculation that Mr. Symes had a seizure prior to the dog biting his face.
The 20-year-old owner of the allegedly XL Bully-like dog was detained for being in charge of a “dangerous” animal, according to the police.
And on Friday, a lady in her 20s and two children were bitten in Ilkeston, Derbyshire, after an alleged dog attack. Derbyshire Police subsequently confiscated four canines, and a man in his 20s was detained at the site on suspicion of assault, coercive and controlling behavior, and dangerously out of control dog ownership.