There is a renewed call for dangerous dog breeds to be banned following the vicious dog attack on a Christchurch toddler.

 

 

Two-year-old Aotea Coxton has undergone several hours of facial surgery after a Staffordshire Cross attacked her at Jellie Park on Sunday. Police say the dog latched on to her face and refused to let go. Peter Macintosh, who was in the park with his children, saw what was unfolding and managed to prise the dog off by trying to choke it.

 

 

United Future leader Peter Dunne called for the banning of dangerous dogs after the death of a woman following the fatal attack on Murupara woman Virginia Ohlson, who was mauled by a pitbull and a Staffordshire cross in April. He wants the issue looked at again.

 

 

"Just how long are we going to go on allowing these things to happen, allowing these dangerous dogs to to maim these kids."

 

 

Aotea has a broken jaw and may lose the sight in one eye. She required dozens of stitches to her face. The dog has been destroyed and police say its owners are distraught about the incident. Senior constable Rod Fraser says police are trying to establish how the dog escaped from its nearby home which appears to be well-fenced. Police are still considering whether charges will be laid.

 

http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/newsdetail1.asp?storyID=122102