Mum shares horrific photos of girl's injuries after dog attack (original) (raw)

The mother of a girl who has been left with life-changing injuries after being attacked by a dog has shared pictures of those injuries in a bid to make dog owners more responsible. The 12-year-old had been getting out of a car with her father when the family say the dog came "out of the blue".

Police said they were called to The Crescent, Nantyglo, Brynmawr, at around 5.50pm on Monday 7 October, following reports of a dog attack. The girl's family, who have asked not to be named, have revealed how the schoolgirl has received serious injuries to her arm and back in the attack that happened in a "split second".

Her dad managed to get on top of the dog and hold it down as they waited for police. The family believe that the dog hadn't been on a lead and didn't have a collar when it attacked.

Their distraught daughter is now waiting to undergo surgery to the injuries on her arm, which might need a skin graft from her leg. She also has injuries to her back.

Her mum, who said the dog appeared to be an XL Bully type dog, is now calling for all responsible owners to register, muzzle and make sure dangerous dogs are on a lead. She said: "My daughter had just got out of the car with her dad when the dog came out of the blue. I was at home and a neighbour came to tell me something had happened.

"My daughter is going to be scarred physically and mentally for life, a few inches higher or a couple of millimetres deeper she would be dead. I am a dog owner myself and can't fathom how people have such a blatant disregard for life. I just want others to realise that they need to be responsible.

"I also want people who let their kids out to make sure they tell them to be extra aware of their surroundings as this happened in a split second and with an adult around. Smaller children wouldn't have had a chance."

The injuries to the child's back

Police have confirmed that the dog involvedhas been humanely destroyed by a veterinary surgeon. A 37-year-old man and a 42-year-old woman, both from the Brynmawr area, have been arrested on suspicion of owning or possessing a dog bred for fighting and owning or possessing a dog dangerously out of control. For the latest Welsh news delivered to your inbox sign up to our newsletter

Superintendent John Davies said: "This was a distressing incident for those involved. I would like to reassure the local community there is no further risk to the public. It is possible that you may see ongoing police activity in Nantyglo as part of this work. If you have concerns or information, please stop and talk with us. "

Anyone with information is asked to report through the Gwent Police website, direct message them on social media, or call them on 101, quoting reference 2400334368. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111.

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