Yorkshire dog attack: baby mauled by 'loving and affectionate' Cane Corso X after it started crying at home

A 10-month-old baby was mauled by a dog in Yorkshire which was said by its owners to be ‘loving and affectionate’.

The baby boy was taken to hospital and required surgery after being bitten by the dog at his home in Barnsley on Tuesday (Oct 25). The child is in hospital in a serious but stable condition. South Yorkshire Police said it was making the incident public as it wants to remind parents it could happen to anyone, and urging dog owners to think it wouldn’t happen to them or that their dog wouldn’t attack a child.

The Cane Corso X is described as being ‘loving and affectionate' and has showed no previous signs of aggression towards the baby – but bit him when he started crying. A statement from the force said: “The incident was out of character for the dog, who has no previous history of aggression, and no reports of community concerns had been made to the police. The owner of the dog described him as being ‘pleasant’ and ‘affectionate’ with children.”

Dog legislation officer PC Paul Jameson said: “We were called at 7:42am to a property in Hoyland, following a young child being attacked and bitten by a family dog. Our early enquiries with the family highlighted that the dog was not previously reported to be of an aggressive nature, and this was a family who took precautions and are responsible owners. An incident like this is a stark reminder that regardless of a dog’s nature, or previous interactions with children, other dogs and people, they are animals and their innate instinct to protect themselves which can result in serious injuries and sometimes fatality.”

The family said the dog had been stressed due to fireworks being let off in the area in recent days, but police said they could not confirm this is what caused the dogs aggression. However, they urged dog owners to be aware of any change in their pet’s behaviour at the nights draw in.

PC Jameson added: “If you know your dog does not accept people knocking at the door, put up a sign ahead of Halloween to stop people knocking. If your dog becomes unsettled when fireworks are set off, walk your dog in daylight hours, close the windows and draw your curtains to help muffle the sound and put the radio or TV on. Leave toys in the area your dog associates with feeling calm and safe. If you’re hosting a celebration, follow the tips on our leaflet to keep everyone in your home safe.”