Friend Saves Tot After Dog Attacks

[Maxiewolf]

http://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/story/2011/06/21/friend-saves-tot-after-dog-attacks/

LITTLE Zane Watkins tried to scream for help as a dog clamped its jaws around his left foot, puncturing through the layers of skin, and then went for his mouth.

The six-year-old boy had run from his front yard at Buddina to fetch a stray Nerf gun bullet when the dog, described as an “English bulldog”, savagely attacked him at 10.30 on Saturday morning.

The dog was understood to have escaped from a neighbour’s yard in Dalpura St.

Zane’s parents, Dave and Joanna, praised another neighbour, Steve Langton, for rushing to their son’s aid and pulling the dog off him while it was mauling him in the gutter.

“The hospital staff said if he hadn’t pulled the dog off, Zane wouldn’t be here now,” Mrs Watkins said.

The Watkins have called for this breed of dog to be banned so no other child will have to endure the agony that Zane did.

“The dog was obviously going for his neck. It got his mouth, his lips,” Mrs Watkins said.

“Dogs like this should not be kept in suburbia, they should be outlawed altogether.”

British bulldog breeder Cindy Elliot said it was “unheard of” for a “British Bulldog, they’re not known as English Bulldogs” to hurt humans.

The Sunshine Coast council declined to reveal the breed while an investigation is under way.

“We are not able to provide any further details concerning the alleged offending dog until all evidence has been gathered,” a spokes woman said.

The attack on Zane was far from an isolated incident.

The council spokeswoman said there had been 138 reported dog attacks, including on animals, since January 1. She said there were 76 in the hinterland and 62 along the coast.

Zane spent nine hours in hospital before he was given the all-clear to go home.

“He went through such tremendous pain as they cleaned the wounds. I had to watch it, it was your worst nightmare,” Mrs Watkins said.

Mrs Watkins was inside when Zane fetched the bullet.

The first she knew of his injuries was when her stepson, 16-year-old Jye, walked through the door carrying Zane covered in blood.

“He (Jye) was fantastic. While the neighbour held the dog, he picked Zane up and brought him home,” Mrs Watkins said.

She said Zane was in good spirits but it was likely the memory of the attack would haunt him for a long time.

“He can’t sleep alone at night,” she said.

A council spokesman said the dog was seized in the interest of public safety because of the “unsecured nature of the property”.

“At this point in time, the dog remains in council custody while an investigation is undertaken and appropriate action is determined.”

People in Zane’s street have rallied around him, bringing gifts and cards.

The dog owner has also visited and brought Zane a card.

The family thanked the paramedics, hospital staff and the council officers for their “fantastic” help.

The description of the dog seems really.. uh... off to me o-O "English" Bulldog?

[Guest Ams]

OMG how biased is this report. The reporter sure doesn't like dogs of any breed. I sincerely feel sorry for the little boy and his family but this is just irresponsible reporting at its best (or worst). :

[Maxiewolf]

From all the recent reports Im sure there is just some standard biased anti-dog anti-breed form out there, fill in the blanks of victim and location... choose from selection of breeds.. instant story with no depth of forethought :eyeroll:

[GeckoTree]

The Watkins calling for breed bans, yep emotional, yep its what happened before 10 years ago, no, not likely to happen again because breed bans are proven unworkable in qld.

well english bulldog? it was said the media miss heard pet bull terrier as being pitbull terrier.

How funked is that.

Edited June 21, 2011 by -GT-

[Keira&Phoenix]

This is the first story I have heard of a British Bulldog attacking (if that is what it was) and yet they are calling for a breed ban because of one incidence with the breed?? Wow we are not going to have many breeds left if we ban every breed that is ever involved in an attack.

Once again this is the Owner's fault as apparently the property isn't secure so the dog can just wander out whenever it pleases. If the Mother wishes to blame someone then she should blame the owner and I would be suing the owner as well for not properly securing the dog, that is the only way these people will learn is when it costs them money.

Poor little boy, I hope he makes a speedy recovery and doesn't have to many physical or mental scars.

Edited June 21, 2011 by Keira&Phoenix

[Scales of Justice]

Most of these dog attacks have the same thing in common - irresponsible owners who leave their dogs to contact the public without supervision. The breeds of dog usually get the wrap but they should throw the book at the owners.

Edited June 22, 2011 by Scales of Justice

[megan_]

Where did they call for a breed ban? They said "dogs like this shouldn't be in suburbia". I read that as "dogs who are HA and attack without provocation. I tend to agree with them there.

[sandgrubber]

Where did they call for a breed ban? They said "dogs like this shouldn't be in suburbia". I read that as "dogs who are HA and attack without provocation. I tend to agree with them there.

"The Watkins have called for this breed of dog to be banned so no other child will have to endure the agony that Zane did."

[megan_]

serves me right for not reading it properly :-).