A baby boy has been left needing surgery after being bitten by his family’s pet dog.
The 10-month-old was attacked on Tuesday morning at a home in Barnsley, South Yorkshire.
The dog, a Cane Corso X described as being ‘usually loving and affectionate’, attacked the baby while he was with his family and began to cry, YorkshireLive reports.
It’s thought the dog has never shown any previous signs of aggression, and had been ‘pleasant’ and ‘affectionate’ with children in the past.
The baby is currently in a stable but serious condition in hospital.
A spokesperson for South Yorkshire Police said: ‘This news is being shared as a reminder to parents that it can happen to anyone.
‘We’re urging you to stop thinking “it won’t happen to me” or “my dog wouldn’t do that”.’
Dog Legislation Officer PC Paul Jameson added: ‘We were called at 7:42am 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.
‘While talking with officers, the family expressed how recently, the dog had become stressed by fireworks being set off in the local area.
‘While we cannot say this caused the dog’s aggressive behaviour, it cannot be overlooked that the stress to the dog may have provoked this response, in the same way pain and discomfort can.
‘As we enter the dark nights period it’s important to be vigilant to a change in your dog’s behaviour and provide them with a space they feel safe, away from children and people.
‘If you know your dog does not accept people knocking at the door, put up a sign ahead of Halloween to stop people knocking.
‘If your dog becomes unsettled when fireworks are set off, walk your dog in daylight hours, close the windows and draw your curtains to help muffle the sound and put the radio or TV on.
‘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.
‘You are more likely to be bitten by a family or familiar dog inside a home. Take action now, to protect your children.’
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
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