A baby boy has been seriously injured after being attacked by his family’s dog in a horrific attack on Tuesday morning (October 24).
The 10-month-old victim was attacked by a Cane Corso X dog at the family home in Barnsley, South Yorkshire.
South Yorkshire Police said the child is in hospital in a serious but stable condition.
They added that the child would need surgery and that the attack was “out of character” for the dog who made the move after the boy started to cry.
In a statement, PC Paul Jameson 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.
“An incident like this is a stark reminder that regardless of a dog’s nature, or previous interactions with children, other dogs and people, they are animals and their innate instinct to protect themselves which can result in serious injuries and sometimes fatality.”
The police said the dog’s owners said the animal had become distressed just before the incident.
PC Jameson suggested: “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.”
