A 7 year-old girl needed intensive surgery after her family dog suddenly attacked her in a shocking home incident.
Mia had two surgeries after the bite on January 31. She needed more surgery later as doctors drained an infection from her face.
Rebecca felt it was a very hard experience, seeing her daughter covered in blood. She said the dog was usually loving but was not well that day. She had stepped away briefly to use the bathroom.
The dog laid on Mia like he usually did, but he was heavy and squashing her. Mia pushed his belly, which seemed to hurt him. He then turned and bit her.
Mia has a cut on her hip and numerous wounds on her face. Paw scratches and a deep tooth mark are visible. Mia shouted for her mom in the bathroom, and her mom heard Mia screaming; it was a terrible sound. Mia’s older sister brought a cloth to stop the bleeding.
The event has affected Mia’s older sister, making it difficult for her to sleep. She can’t look at Mia’s face. Mia needed surgery to fix her cheek, and her mom said recovery will take time. Mia still loves dogs, but the police are holding their dog now.
According to police, Mia was one of three kids attacked by dogs in that area within 48 hours. South Yorkshire Police warned families that kids are more likely to be bitten at home and that injuries are often caused by their own pets. Children under seven are the most vulnerable.
A sixteen-year-old needed surgery after a Cane Corso dog bit her in Rossington on January 29. A photo showed skin hanging off her arm, and officers destroyed the dog with the owner’s permission.
Two days later, a Pit Bull bit a seven-year-old boy near Doncaster, just hours after Mia was bitten. Mia and Bane, the dog, usually got along well and adored each other.
Police issued warnings about dangerous dogs after answering three calls quickly last December regarding out-of-control dogs. The police shared graphic photos of the attacks, warning the public.
Police want people to know it can happen to them, emphasizing that a dog can attack a child. They are urging owners to do more to prevent this.
Emma Cheney, who leads the dangerous dog work, reported that they investigated 347 cases involving kids in 2024. She discussed the Rossington attack, stating the girl had severe arm injuries and the dog was a risk, so they destroyed it with the owner’s permit.
Police responded later to Mia’s case in Sheffield. Also, a boy was bitten by a Pit Bull and the dogs were seized and kept in kennels.
You are more likely to be bitten at home by a familiar dog, and young kids are most vulnerable to attack because they may not understand a dog’s warning signs.
Police protect the public, working with groups to prevent attacks, but owners and parents must also take action. Simple changes, such as respecting a dog’s space, can save lives.
Police suggest not leaving kids alone with dogs. Give dogs a safe, comfy place and use stair gates when kids get bigger.
A new law banned unregistered XL Bully dogs, and police have seized over 4,500 dogs.