Dad of three-year-old boy who had a ‘chunk’ ripped out of his face in gruesome dog attack issues a furious plea to the animal’s owner

The father of a three-year-old boy who was brutally attacked by a dog on a primary school playground has pleaded with the animal’s owner to come forward.

Basam Hafiz’s three-year-old son was playing on the equipment at Pennington Primary on Wednesday when a ‘loose’ dog tore the skin from his cheek and mouth.

Emergency services were called to Butler Avenue in Adelaide’s western suburbs to treat the young boy before he was taken to the Women and Children’s Hospital.

He underwent surgery because he feared his facial injuries would leave permanent scars.

On Wednesday around 4:30 p.m., the three-year-old boy’s skin was torn from his cheek and mouth by a ‘loose dog’

“I was quite upset and I’m still very upset because when you look at it, it’s half his face and he’s just a child,” Mr Hafiz said.

‘I saw a picture of the dog. He’s just a little dog, but (my boy is) just a baby too.

“I don’t know what to say to him,” said the distressed father 7News.

‘How can you just run away? A small child (is injured).”

Witnesses revealed that the dog was not on a leash when the incident occurred.

Basam Hafiz, the young boy's father, is 'quite upset' and has called on the dog's owner to come forward

Basam Hafiz, the young boy’s father, is ‘quite upset’ and has called on the dog’s owner to come forward

The attack took place on the playground of Pennington Primary school in Adelaide's western suburbs

The attack took place on the playground of Pennington Primary school in Adelaide’s western suburbs

It was quickly taken away by the owner.

According to a police spokesperson, the dog and its owner had already left the area before emergency services arrived.

“Investigations are ongoing with inspectors from Charles Sturt Council,” she added.

Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.