Toddler mauled in dog attack in Thames

By AINSLEY THOMSON

A toddler yesterday underwent major surgery for serious injuries after being mauled by at least one pitbull dog in Thames.

The 2 1/2-year-old boy was bitten around the face, head and scalp in a frenzied attack, suffering deep wounds.

One dog has been impounded by the Thames dog ranger and police are interviewing the owner.

But staff of the Waikato-based Westpac Air Ambulance, which flew the boy to Waikato Hospital, said up to four dogs may have been involved.

The boy had been playing in the backyard of a house on Hauraki Tce during a family gathering when the attack happened around 7.30pm on Saturday. After the attack, the boy's mother and other relatives chased a dog from the property.

Neighbours said there were always dogs, which appeared to belong to no one, roaming around the area. One woman said she often saw the child, a blond little boy, walking up the street with the family dog.

It is understood that dog was not involved in the attack.

The boy was first taken to Thames Hospital, but he was so badly injured an intensive care retrieval team flew to Thames and took him to Waikato Hospital, where plastic surgeons were waiting. He was last night reported to be in a stable condition.

A year ago, 7-year old Carolina Anderson received horrific facial wounds when she was mauled by an american staffordshire terrier in Cox's Bay Reserve, Auckland.

Brian Hill and Thomas Owen, the owners of the dog, Joey, were sentenced to two months in prison for the attack and Joey was destroyed.

The attack led to a national outcry and prompted the Government to promote tougher dog control measures. In November, the Dog Control Amendment Bill was passed.