Dog attacks toddler at family home toddler survives vicious dog attack

A DOG mauled a two-year-old Ipswich boy yesterday, only days after a dog attacked and killed a three-year-old girl in New South Wales.

The boy's father Mal Springall said his son Noah was playing in his sister-in-law's West Ipswich yard with his daughters Jessica, 15, and Britney, 6. Jessica said Noah was about to pat the dog when it attacked him.

“I just quickly grabbed him and came up here (to the Ipswich Hospital),” Jessica said.

IPSWICH Hospital registered nurse Katie Foster said Noah had a four to five centimetre cut on the front of his forehead in a V shape.

“You can see the membrane of the skull,” Miss Foster said.

Noah also required stitches to a cut on his right face cheek.

Mr Springall said the dog was his niece's boyfriend's and possibly an American Pit Bull Terrier.

“I want something done about it - the dog is still over there,” Mr Springall said.

The owner of the dog, who is visiting from interstate, declined to comment.

RSPCA spokesman Michael Beattie said any type of dog could attack a child.

“Obviously the damage inflicted by the larger breeds is going to be worse than smaller breeds,” Mr Beattie said.

“You should never leave small children, particularly toddlers, unsupervised around any dogs.”

Health and Regulation Committee chairman Andrew Antoniolli said council was investigating the matter, which occurred on private property.

“There was no risk to public safety so the officers are undertaking their investigation,” Cr Antoniolli said.

“Council will be taking all action that is necessary in relation to the dog and the owners if the investigation finds fault.

“Kids and dogs - it's like kids and swimming pools - you just have to keep a watch over them.”

Noah was transported to the Mater Children's Hospital yesterday afternoon by ambulance for specialist plastic surgeon attention.