Drama, 10-Year-Old Boy Hospitalized After Being Attacked by a Dog: Where and What Happened

A 10-year-old boy was bitten in the neck by a dog

Tragedy narrowly avoided in Doncaster this morning, July 22: a 10-year-old boy is in hospital due to bite of a dog. The incident occurred in the Balby area and involved an unregistered XL Bully. South Yorkshire Police arrested the dog’s owner, a 37-year-old woman, and her two teenage sons, aged 13 and 15, who were in charge of the animal at the time.

According to initial reconstructions provided by the local police, the child was in the neighbors’ garden when he was attacked by the dog. For reasons that are still unclear, the animal lunged at the child, biting him on the neck and causing him a strong hemorrhage. The child, immediately rescued and transported to the hospital, is out of danger. Fortunately, doctors were able to intervene positively on the wound.

Police said the 37-year-old woman is in custody on suspicion of possession of a dog prohibited, of having let a dog become dangerous and of negligence towards a minor. The two teenagers, aged 13 and 15, arrested on charges of having let a dog out of control and of possessing an illegal breed, are now free. The dog is being held in the police kennels.

The Chief Inspector Emma Cheney he has declared:

“A child is starting his summer holidays in hospital after being mauled by a dog. This incident could have been tragic and resulted in a death. We continue to urge people to stop thinking ‘it won’t happen to me’. Owners need to be responsible, understand their dog, their behaviour and ensure everyone’s safety. With school holidays, your child may be spending more time at home or with friends and family. Taking simple steps to allow dogs their own space can make the difference between life and death.”

The local community is in shock over the incident, and many residents are expressing concerns about the management and dog controlespecially of breeds considered dangerous.

This shocking episode recalls what happened in L’Aquila in recent days where a pitbull attacked three people, including the owner who is hospitalized in very serious conditions.