A four-year-old boy has been left with permanent nerve damage to his face after he was mauled by a dog while playing at his friend’s house last month.
The toddler’s mother is now calling for the animal to be put down amid claims her son was the third person to be attacked by the Bull Arab rescue dog.
Jasmine Santich said her son, Swayde Rangi, needed reconstructive surgery to his face after being rushed from a property in Yangebup with severe injuries after he was lunged at by a pet dog in August.
“His eye was completely severed, it was so swollen, he was so scared. It was horrific,” Ms Santich told 7NEWS.
Her son is set to receive more surgery next week, having already spending five nights in Perth Children’s Hospital.
Ms Santich said Swayde has been left terrified of dogs and was even exhibiting symptoms seen in those suffering with post-traumatic stress disorder. Graphic photos of the toddler in the hospital show severe cuts all over his face.
The City of Cockburn launched an investigation into mauling and has since declared the animal, named Orlando, a dangerous dog.
A spokesperson for the council confirmed the dog had been released following a property inspection and compliance from the owners, who are now required to abide by several strict conditions.
The dog is required to wear a muzzle and remain on a lead in public, as well as wear a ‘dangerous dog’ collar at all times.
The council said it had been unable to verify claims the animal had previously attacked but would investigate further if it received new information from the public.
“The owners must adhere to an annual property inspection to meet the requirements of the Dangerous Dog Declaration,” the council said.
“These restrictions remain in place for the duration of the dog’s life or until an order through the State Administrative Tribunal is handed down.
“Restrictions are designed to ensure, as far as possible, that the possibility of a future attack is minimised, in line with the legislation.”
The dog’s owners also face a potential $10,000 fine after the southern suburbs council launched legal action against them under the Dog Act.
“The City is always saddened to hear of dog attacks in our community, particularly where injury occurs,” a spokesperson said.
Source Agencies
