Boy recovers from dog attack

Staffordshire bull terriers do not have to wear a muzzle

A nine year old boy from Prestatyn is recovering in hospital after being attacked by a Staffordshire bull terrier.

The attack happened when Anthony Hannah was visiting his auntie and uncle in Rhosneigr on Anglesey on Friday.

He was playing in the lobby of a block of flats when the dog bit him more than 25 times in his chest, neck, back, arms, legs and feet.

He was taken to Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor, where he underwent surgery for non-life threatening injuries.

The boys' mother, Sharon Hannah, said Anthony would be dead but for the bravery of his 11-year-old brother Alan.

She said Alan was incredibly brave as he refused to leave Anthony's side, and kicked the dog until it let go.

Anthony is in a lot of pain and he is very upset

Sharon Hannah, Anthony's mother

"I am sure Anthony would be dead if Alan hadn't kept fighting." she said.

"He got bitten as well, on the back, but he didn't even tell us at first because he was more worried about his brother."

She added: "Anthony is in a lot of pain and he is very upset.

"We are trying to spoil him rotten at the moment to make him forget what happened, but I'm worried about the emotional trauma."

The dog, called Ben, belonged to a neighbour, and has since been put down at the request of its owner.

Care should always be taken when dogs are around children

Katie Geary, RSPCA

Staffordshire bull terriers do not have to be muzzled under the Dangerous Dogs Act.

Katie Geary from the RSPCA said that most Staffordshire's are well behaved animals, and precautions should be taken with all types of dogs.

"If dogs are brought up properly, and are cared for, they shouldn't attack people." she said.

"But care should always be taken when dogs are around children, as they might pull their tails and agitate them."

It follows a similar attack on a father-of-four in London, who was savaged to death by a Staffordshire bull terrier.

George Dingham, 47, was found slumped on his living room floor with injuries to his face and neck.