A baby boy has been left seriously wounded after being attacked by a family dog.
The baby now requires surgical treatment after the ‘usually loving and affectionate’ Cane Corso X pet dog attacked the baby when he began to cry, according to local media reports.
The attack happened yesterday morning in a home in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, while the 10-month-old was with his family.
The boy remains in a stable but serious condition in hospital. The dog is said to have shown no previous signs of aggression, and no reports of concerns from the community have been sent to the police.
The owner of the dog, an Italian mastiff breed, described him as being ‘pleasant’ and ‘affectionate’ with children.
The baby now requires surgical treatment after the ‘usually loving and affectionate’ Cane Corso X (like the one pictured above) pet dog attacked the baby when he began to cry, according to local media reports
The attack happened yesterday morning in a home in Hoyland (pictured in a file image above), Barnsley, South Yorkshire, while the 10-month-old was with his family
A spokesperson for South Yorkshire Police (SYP) said: ‘This news is being shared as a reminder to parents that it can happen to anyone. We’re urging you to stop thinking “it won’t happen to me” or “my dog wouldn’t do that”.’
Dog Legislation Officer PC Paul Jameson explains more, he said: ‘We were called at 7.42am this morning to a property in Hoyland, following a young child being attacked and bitten by a family dog.
‘Our early enquiries with the family highlighted that the dog was not previously reported to be of an aggressive nature, and this was a family who took precautions and are responsible owners.
‘While talking with officers, the family expressed how recently, the dog had become stressed by fireworks being set off in the local area.
‘While we cannot say this caused the dog’s aggressive, it cannot be overlooked that the stress to the dog may have provoked this response, in the same way pain and discomfort can.’
PC Jameson added: ‘As we enter the dark nights period it’s important to be vigilant to a change in your dog’s behaviour and provide them with a space they feel safe, away from children and people.
‘If you know your dog does not accept people knocking at the door, put up a sign ahead of Halloween to stop people knocking.
‘If your dog becomes unsettled when fireworks are set off, walk your dog in daylight hours, close the windows and draw your curtains to help muffle the sound and put the radio or TV on.
‘Leave toys in the area your dog associates with feeling calm and safe.
‘If you’re hosting a celebration, follow the tips on our leaflet to keep everyone in your home safe.
‘You are more likely to be bitten by a family or familiar dog inside a home. Take action now, to protect your children.’