AUSTRALIA -- THE mother of a nine-year-old boy mauled by a vicious dog is fuming that her son was the pet's third victim.
Tyson Stoikov needed plastic surgery and was at the Royal Children's Hospital for two days after the English Staffordshire terrier attacked him and wrapped its jaws around his face.
The unregistered dog is now on death row while council officers investigate.
Tyson's mother, Tara, is considering legal action against the family whose pet attacked her son for 20 seconds on Grand Final day.
She said the dog previously attacked two children.
"Obviously they care more about the dog's well-being than my own son's," she said.
"My main concern is that this dog could bite someone else and it could be a lot worst. It could turn on anyone at any time."
Tyson's lip was torn and he suffered cuts and bruises to his face.
"I was talking to my friend on the phone ... and the dog just jumped and bit me on the face," he said.
Brimbank Council city development general manager Stephen Sully said because the dog was not a restricted breed it did not legally have to be impounded.
"This dog was a much-loved family pet and it has taken some time for the family to come to grips with what has happened," Mr Sully said.
It is believed the dog was removed about a week after the attack. Mr Sully said its fate was yet to be decided.
"Depending on the strength of the evidence and the assistance of both families involved, fines may be issued or the matter may be taken to court," he said.
Mr Sully said he was not aware the dog was involved in another two incidents.
The death of four-year-old Ayen Chol, killed by a neighbour's pit bull terrier cross last month, prompted a state government crackdown on dangerous dogs.
(Herald Sun - October 21, 2011)
