(Getty Images) |
REDONDO BEACH -- A 17-month-old boy was severely
mauled in the face by the family's pit bull terrier.
The dog attack occurred about 9 a.m. Tuesday in the family's house in the 1000 block of Palos Verdes Boulevard, said Redondo Beach police Sgt. Phil Keenan.
The toddler and his mother were in the living room with the pet when the youngster apparently pulled on the dog's tail and the animal turned and "severely mauled his face," Keenan said.
The boy's mother freed her son and called authorities, and the boy was taken to a hospital for treatment, Keenan said.
A condition report was not available.
Police and animal-control personnel took the dog into custody for a 10- day quarantine period, pending further investigation, Keenan said.
The Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals-Los Angeles offered some suggestions for preventing dog maulings. Though it does not apply to the current case, one of most important tips for dog owners and parents is to never leave a child under 8 years old unattended with a canine, according to spcaLA.
The organization also urged pet owners to be vigilant "and address any warning signs exhibited by your dog such as food guarding or other aggressive behaviors. Aggression issues should be addressed and corrected early on with proper animal training from an expert."
No breed is exclusively bad or good, according to the spcaLA.
"Breed is a consideration, but temperament, personality, activity level and background are all factors to consider when adding a new family member," the organization said in a statement.
The spcaLA urges that:
The dog attack occurred about 9 a.m. Tuesday in the family's house in the 1000 block of Palos Verdes Boulevard, said Redondo Beach police Sgt. Phil Keenan.
The toddler and his mother were in the living room with the pet when the youngster apparently pulled on the dog's tail and the animal turned and "severely mauled his face," Keenan said.
The boy's mother freed her son and called authorities, and the boy was taken to a hospital for treatment, Keenan said.
A condition report was not available.
Police and animal-control personnel took the dog into custody for a 10- day quarantine period, pending further investigation, Keenan said.
The Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals-Los Angeles offered some suggestions for preventing dog maulings. Though it does not apply to the current case, one of most important tips for dog owners and parents is to never leave a child under 8 years old unattended with a canine, according to spcaLA.
The organization also urged pet owners to be vigilant "and address any warning signs exhibited by your dog such as food guarding or other aggressive behaviors. Aggression issues should be addressed and corrected early on with proper animal training from an expert."
No breed is exclusively bad or good, according to the spcaLA.
"Breed is a consideration, but temperament, personality, activity level and background are all factors to consider when adding a new family member," the organization said in a statement.
The spcaLA urges that:
- -- an adult be present at all times when children and pets interact;
- -- children be taught to respect pets as living things, not toys or objects;
- -- youngsters be trained not to sneak up on pets and tease them, and not be allowed to "ride" a dog; and
- -- children not be allowed to handle or pick up animals, which should always have secure footing.
- -- loud noises such as screams, and fast moves such as hitting, running or throwing objects at animals can trigger defensive reactions;
- -- no child should be permitted to act out aggression or other behaviors on pets;
- -- a pet should be able to seek solace in a quiet place where children are not allowed, such as a dog crate;
- -- children should be kept from disturbing a pet when it is sleeping or eating;
- -- training a pet should be a family affair. Everyone should be involved; and
- -- parents or adults should set a good example by following the house rules.
The spcaLA also warns that:
