Boy, 5, Hospitalized After Being Mauled by an Off-Leash Dog at a Park: ‘Every Parent’s Nightmare’ By Desiree Anello

A 5-year-old boy has been hospitalized after he was “aggressively approached” and mauled by a dog while visiting a park, authorities said.

On Nov. 6, the child was playing with his mother in Doncaster, when a dog, believed to be a bull breed, suddenly attacked his face, according to the South Yorkshire Police. 

The boy was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was treated for injuries to his eye, ears and cheeks, police said.

“What should have been an enjoyable experience for a little boy has turned into every parent’s nightmare,” authorities said in a statement, adding that the child’s injuries could cause “lasting physical scars.”

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After the attack, police officers seized the dog, which appeared to be off-leash at the time of the incident.

They also arrested a 29-year-old man on suspicion of owning a dog dangerously out of control. According to local police, the man has since been released on bail, while the dog remains in police kennels.

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“This incident should never [have happened] and could have [been] avoided by responsible ownership,” Officer Steve Usher said in a statement. “If you are in an area with children who can act in excitable and unpredictable ways, there should be no reason a dog should be off its leash.”

“Being a responsible owner is the difference between dogs causing fear and harm in our community,” he continued. “Please do your part and act. Do not think it won’t happen to you, or your dog would never do that. Any dog has the potential to cause injury.”