A 10-month-old baby in the United Kingdom has been seriously injured after being attacked by a normally "loving and affectionate" family dog. According to the BBC, the incident took place on Tuesday in South Yorkshire. Police said that the animal, a Cane Corso X, savaged the baby at a property in Hoyland, Barnsley, after he started to cry. The 10-month-old remains in the hospital in a stable but serious condition, officials added.
"We were called at 7.42am this morning to a property in Hoyland, following a young child being attacked and bitten by a family dog," Dog Legislation Officer PC Paul Jameson said, as per the outlet. Mr Jameson added that the attack was out of character for the dog, who has no previous history of aggression.
"Our early enquiries with the family highlighted that the dog was not previously reported to be of an aggressive nature, and this was a family who took precautions and are responsible owners," he said.
Separately, according to The Independent, the baby's family said that their dog had never shown any signs of aggression before the horrifying incident. According to them, the animal is normally "pleasant" and "affectionate" with children. However, the family added that the dog may have become stressed by fireworks being set off in the local area.
"An incident like this is a stark reminder that regardless of a dog's nature, or previous interactions with children, other dogs and people, they are animals and their innate instinct to protect themselves which can result in serious injuries and sometimes fatality," Mr Jameson said.
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The official further urged owners to watch out for changes in their dog's behaviour at this time of the year and provide them with a space they feel safe, away from children and people. "If you know your dog does not accept people knocking at the door, put up a sign ahead of Halloween to stop people knocking," PC Jameson continued.
"If your dog becomes unsettled when fireworks are set off, walk your dog in daylight hours, close the windows and draw your curtains to help muffle the sound and put the radio or TV on. Leave toys in the area your dog associates with feeling calm and safe. If you're hosting a celebration, follow the tips on our leaflet to keep everyone in your home safe," he added.
Notably, a Cane Corso is a breed of mastiff descended from Molossian war dogs of ancient Rome.
