Young girl mauled by family dog when she tried to kiss it

Shocking photos show a little girl's horrific injuries after she was mauled by her family's dog.

The young child was attacked by a two-year-old Doberman at a home in Sheffield on Friday, October 25. 

The dog was laid on the sofa and the girl tried to kiss it, but the animal reacted and mauled the child's head.

Horrific photos of the little girl from after the attack show the side of her face and ears covered in blood, and she was taken to hospital where she required surgery.

The dog responsible for causing injury to the child was seized by South Yorkshire Police officers and will be put to sleep.

As Halloween and Bonfire Night approach again this year, police have warned owners and parents to be alert. 

Sergeant Matt Duffy said: 'We are continuing to see children bitten by dogs across South Yorkshire.

'We are working hard to reduce the risk from dangerous dogs to our communities, but we need your help.

'You know your family, you know your dog.

'As we approach a time of year where things are slightly different, people are in costumes and you may have more visitors to your home, please take action.

'Also, please remember that when a dog has been exposed to stress or anxiety, it may take a few days for the effects to end.

'It is important you are vigilant and provide your dog with a safe space.'

South Yorkshire Police said they received 126 reports of dangerous dogs between October 28 and November 8, with 34 reports involving a person being seriously injured. 

A spokesperson for South Yorkshire Police said: 'As Halloween and Bonfire Night approach, we’re releasing photos of a child mauled by a family dog to urge parents to act.

'As a busy and ‘different’ period approaches, please be aware that any dog can bite and cause serious injuries and you are more likely to be bitten by a familiar dog within your home.

'Urging parents to act, we are sharing photographs of a child recently mauled by a family pet; this can happen to anyone, any dog has the ability to cause harm.'