UNITED KINGDOM -- A toddler was left with severe facial injuries after being attacked by his pet dog.
The two-year-old boy was at home in Joslin Road, Purfleet, when the dog, believed to be a small terrier cross, set upon him.
The family phoned for an ambulance and the boy was rushed to Basildon Hospital, but has since been transferred to Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford for further treatment.
Broomfield has a plastic surgery unit which specialises in treating patients with serious disfigurements and burns.
Gary Sanderson, spokesman for the East of England Ambulance Service, said: “We were alerted to an address in Purfleet at 5.27pm on Monday and a child was taken to Broomfield Hospital with a facial injury.”
Essex Police, who were called by the ambulance service, confirmed the child’s facial injuries were severe, and that they seized the dog involved.
Spokeswoman Helen Cook said: “Police are investigating circumstances surrounding a two-year-old child being taken to hospital with a bite to the face by a family pet.
“The dog involved, a small terrier type, has been seized and will be taken to kennels.”
A resident of Joslin Road, who did not want to be named, said: “I can’t believe a little boy has been attacked. It’s just really awful – I do hope he is OK.”
(Thurrock Gazette - Nov 15, 2012)
