Pennington Reserve dog attack: Owner apologises after fleeing a park when his dog bit a toddler
The owner of a dog that ripped the skin off a toddler’s cheek and mouth in a park has apologized for fleeing the scene.
Basam Hafiz’s three-year-old son was playing on the equipment at Pennington Reserve, north Adelaide, when he was attacked by a Tenterfield terrier about 4.30pm on Wednesday.
The toddler was taken to Women and Children’s Hospital and underwent surgery. His family feared that he would be left with permanent scars.
The dog’s owner, Jeb Stubberfield, immediately grabbed his dog and left the park after the attack – before emergency services arrived.
Mr Stubberfield has since apologized and admitted he should have stayed to check the boy was okay.
Basam Hafiz’s three-year-old son was playing on the equipment at Pennington Reserve, north Adelaide, when he was attacked by a Tenterfield terrier about 4.30pm on Wednesday.
The dog’s owner, Jeb Stubberfield, immediately grabbed his dog and left the park after the attack before emergency services arrived.
‘I just panicked. It’s a shame, I’m very sorry, I wish I could take it back. I should have manned up and stayed around,” the dog owner said Seven news.
The owner said his dog ate some of the grass when the toddler went to pet him, causing him to attack.
“It’s an unfortunate circumstance to be quite honest,” Mr Stubberfield said.
“First and foremost, I apologize to the child and the family for putting them through this pain.”
The dog was given to the man five years ago while he was struggling with anxiety and depression.
The young boy underwent surgery because he feared his facial injuries would leave permanent scars
Basam Hafiz, the young boy’s father, said he was “quite upset.”
Mr Stubberfield is now concerned that his dog will be taken away and euthanized by the council.
The three-year-old son spent a night in the hospital and is now recovering at home.
Mr Hafiz said: ‘I was quite upset and I’m still quite upset because when you look at it it’s half his face and he’s just a child.’
A police spokesperson said this earlierInvestigations were underway with Charles Sturt Council inspectors.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Charles Sturt Council for comment.