A child who was playing with friends suffered life-changing injuries in a sudden dog attack.
On September 5 last year, a three-year-old child was with a group near a children's play park, on Merlin Road in Birkenhead when they were attacked by a Huntaway Cross Breed dog. The victim suffered "significant" injuries to their cheek and nose and was rushed to hospital.
Louis Rowley, 22, of Fender Way, Beechwood, appeared before Wirral Magistrates Court today, Wednesday January 10 after pleading guilty to being in charge of the dog that was dangerously out of control. The court heard how a group of children were playing when Rowley was seen taking the dog, called Bailey, on the field to play fetch.
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Soon after, the children approached the dog and were stroking it which was “not unusual to do”. Prosecuting Andrew Page said the dog turned and bit one of the children on the face causing injuries.
A victim personal statement from the family, read out to the court, heard that prior to the attack, their child was “extremely outgoing and confident”, but since the incident they have become “withdrawn, nervous and anxious”. They have received “life-changing injuries” and will be “permanently disfigured and scarred”.
The victim needed plastic surgery and there is still a “long line of decisions” for the family. The court also heard how the young victim’s face struggles with temperature changes, causing pain, and that they are now “extremely self-conscious” and “scared of their own appearance”, often shying away from mirrors and photographs.
The attack has had an impact on the whole family and the victim often has “nightmares, waking up and seeking reassurance”. After taking several weeks to recover, the victim now has “separation anxiety” with the statement adding: “As a family this event has drastically changed our dynamics.”
Mr Page told the hearing the dog was taken to a local vets where a decision was made to euthanise it and Rowley was arrested and interviewed. During his interview he said he “remembered screaming and seeing blood everywhere” as he added: “I wish I had been quicker”.
The court heard how Rowley was “upset, visibly crying and remorseful.” Defence Counsel Sarah Ferguson reminded the court of Rowley’s early guilty plea.
She said: “He made no attempts to minimise his involvement in this situation, he has accepted responsibility.”
Ms Ferguson added it was not an incident that occurred out of “malice”, but admitted it was a “situation within his control”. Despite the dog not belonging to him, the animal was known to him.
She said: “It’s a lesson for anyone, while you can say my dog is a lovely dog, we all know they can turn on a sixpence.”
Taking into account the “catastrophic life-changing injuries and ongoing impact to the family” as well as Rowley’s “genuine remorse”, the court heard how sentencing was “one of the hardest decisions in quite some time”.
Rowley, who appeared emotional in the dock, was given a 24 month community order with unpaid work as well as £700 in compensation ordered to pay.
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