Little girl left with horror injuries after being mauled when she tried to kiss family dog

WARNING GRAPHIC CONTENT Police were called to a property in Sheffield, South Yorkshire on Friday after a little girl was mauled by her family's Doberman when she tried to give it a kiss

A little girl suffered severe injuries when she was attacked by her family dog as she tried to give it a kiss.

Police were called to the home Sheffield, South Yorkshire, last Friday following reports a young child was attacked by a two-year-old Doberman. The dog was lying on the sofa when the girl tried to kiss it, but the animal reacted badly and bit the child's head.

Horrific photos of the child taken 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.

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 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."

Last month two young children were taken to hospital after being mauled by dogs in separate dog attacks in South Yorkshire. A four-year-old girl was attacked by dogs believed to be XL Bullies while playing in a local park in Sheffield with her mum on September 4.

She suffered injuries to her body and was taken to hospital with her condition not life threatening, while the dogs were seized and are in police kennels. Just a couple of days later on September 6, a two-year-old boy was also bitten while he was sitting on his mother's knee by a neighbour's dog, believed to be a Staffordshire Bull Terrier. The youngster was taken to hospital with injuries that are not believed to be life threatening while the dog has been put down.