Five Year Old Girl Latest Dog Bite Victim
A young girl and her stepfather are among the latest unfortunate dog bite victims. The girl was the second dog bite victim in a month.
Another shocking dog attack has left a young girl and her stepfather in hospital with serious injuries.
The five-year-old received severe facial wounds after an American Bulldog leapt on the girl, and mauled her face. Her stepfather also received substantial injuries to his arm, as he struggled to separate the animal from his distraught daughter.
The attack took place at an address in Henmill Court, Northampton at 7:15 in the evening, and emergency services were called. Within minutes, the girl, and her stepfather were rushed to hospital in an ambulance. Neither the child, or her step father are believed to have ‘life threatening’ injuries, although long term disability and trauma will be likely outcomes of the attack.
Speaking to the press, a police spokesperson confirmed details of the dog bite attack, stating that: “Police contained the dog at the scene and it will be humanely destroyed later today.”
Children in Dog Bite Danger
The dog, believed to be a family pet, is an American Bulldog, a breed not currently prohibited under the Dangerous dog Act
The dog attack is the second of its kind in a month: both involving American Bulldogs. In April 2010, Zumer Ahmed died from dog bite wounds after the American Bulldog, viciously assaulted him. The 18-month-old baby from West Sussex was mauled by his family pet, and died shortly afterwards.
The two incidents are leading people to ask if the act goes far enough. Is it right that the dangerous dog act focuses primarily on 4 dangerous breeds? Or should it be the behaviour of individual animals that is assessed: regardless of their breed?
Joe Sterritt, a campaigner for the reform of the Dangerous Dogs Act commented: ‘I have seen pit bulls with a lovely, soppy nature, and poodles that I’d be scared to be alone with. The dangerous dog act is discriminatory. It is the upbringing of the dog that makes all the difference, not their DNA.”
NHS figures show that since the introduction of the Dangerous Dog Act more people are being injured by dogs, rather than less. Dog Bite claims have also risen sharply, with more people fighting back against negligent dog owners.
