Mum Backs Child Safety Week After Vicious Dog Attack on Son
20/06/2011
A mum from Staffordshire has spoken out about the terrifying moment that her son was subjected to a horrifying attack by a neighbour’s dog, while he was playing football in their back garden.
Joseph Duckhouse (then aged 9) from Penkridge in Staffordshire had to be airlifted to hospital following the savage attack, after suffering serious injuries to his face and legs. The attack was described as coming completely out of the blue from a German Shepherd, who had only just been bought from an animal rescue centre just a few days earlier.
The family’s solicitors, Irwin Mitchell, who are avid supporters of Child Safety Week, have spoken out saying that the case highlights the need for vigilance when dealing with dogs. They say that no matter how friendly a dog may seem, their behaviour is unpredictable and moods can change quickly.
The attack took place on the 28th February 2010, and Joseph was left with severe bite wounds to his legs. He also suffered a torn left ear, which had to be reconstructed by surgeons at University Hospital in Stoke on Trent, due to the amount of tissue loss. Joseph missed three weeks of school and as well as recovering from his physical injuries, he also suffered from severe psychological trauma, as did his brother Jake who was a witness to the attack.
The German Shepherd that attacked Joseph, called Bruno, had been bought from Holly Trees Kennels in Birmingham as a family pet, only a few days before the traumatic attack. He was later put down by the same kennels.
Miss Atkins Green, Joseph’s mum, spoke out about the attack in support of Child Safety Week, saying:
“This attack came completely out of the blue. One minute the boys were playing football together with their friend in a neighbour’s garden and the next, the dog attacked Joe without any warning.
“More than a year on, both Joe and Jake are both finding it very hard to cope with what happened. It has affected their personalities. Before, they were both very confident young boys who loved animals. Now, they get very nervous if they are out in the park and they see a dog off the lead.
“Although Joe will be left with the physical scars of what happened I do hope that in time the psychological injuries he has suffered will ease. We have always been a family of dog-lovers and Joe and his brother have been brought up with family pets so it’s heartbreaking to see the change in them both since the attack.
“I don’t bear any ill will towards our neighbours. They certainly weren’t to blame. Like us, they love dogs and thought they were doing a good thing by giving a rescue animal a new home. They have young children themselves and were just as shocked and upset about what happened as us.
“I would urge all dog owners to ensure that they take out insurance to cover for personal injury. If it hadn’t been for our neighbours taking out insurance we would have had to consider suing them personally which I would have found very uncomfortable”
The personal injury solicitor with Irwin Mitchell who has handled the family’s civil claim, Toni Knott, explained: “Many people aren’t aware of the legal position if a dog causes an injury to an innocent member of the public.
“Even though the dog had only recently been purchased from a rescue home, the kennels’ public liability ceased as soon as Bruno left the kennels which meant from that point onwards the new owners were completely responsible.
“Although the Duckhouse family’s first concerns were for their son and his welfare, they were understandably concerned about taking action against their neighbours as, despite what happened, the two families remain good friends.
“Thankfully, the neighbours have not been left financially out of pocket by the incident because although they did not have pet insurance, the dog was covered under their home contents insurance. Thanks to the neighbours’ co-operation, liability was admitted straight away by their insurers, Legal & General.
“Although no amount of money will turn back the clock, it is important to try to provide some financial recompense for Joe in the future as he continues to recover from the terrible injuries he has suffered.
“Medical evidence is currently being finalised and it is hoped that we will be able to settle the case shortly. The money will then be held in Trust by the Court Funds Office for Joe until he reaches the age of 18.”
The Child Action Prevention Trust, who organise Child Safety Week, this year gave it the theme ‘Take a Second Look at Safety’ and are encouraging families to take extra care, to help reduce the number of accidents involving children and young adults.
For more information visit www.childsafetyweek.org.uk
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