Man Admits Charges after Dingle Dog Attack

A 35 year old man has admitted charges of owning dangerously out of control dogs after a toddler was the victim of a dog attack at the weekend.

Dog attack

The attack, in which a two year old girl suffered serious injuries to her head and body, took place outside a house in Dingle, Liverpool on Sunday 7 May. The toddler was playing in a relative’s front garden with two of her cousins when several American bully dogs managed to squeeze through a fence from next door.

A 57 year old woman, believed to be the child’s aunt, attempted to save her and was also injured in the dog attack.

The unnamed toddler is currently in a “serious but not life-threatening” at Alder Hey Childrens’ Hospital, having undergone surgery on Sunday night. The 57 year old was taken to the Royal Liverpool University Hospital with minor dog bite injuries on Sunday and was released later that day.

Guilty plea

Andrew McGowan, of Cockburn Street – where the attack took place, pleaded guilty to owning four dogs that were dangerously out of control at Liverpool and Knowsley Magistrates Court. The 35 year old has been bailed until 8 June.

According to police, five dogs and a further six puppies were seized following the attack. Two of the adult dogs have been humanely destroyed.

Merseyside Police – “horrific attack”

Chief Inspector Dave Westby, from Merseyside Police, said:

“This was a horrific attack which has resulted in a two-year-old girl suffering extensive injuries to her head and body.

“The child was playing in the back garden of a relative’s address with two other children when a number of dogs from a nearby house managed to get in to the garden.”

Police added that American bully dogs are not a banned breed.

Compensation following a dog attack – expert advice

If you have been attacked by a dog, even where the dog did not cause physical harm, you may be entitled to compensation. More information can be found via our ‘Dog Bite Claims’ page.

Whatever your experience involving a dangerous dog attack, speak to our expert team of personal injury solicitors today to discover how we could help you. For further information, call 0800 888 6 888 or email .

Source: Liverpool Echo; BBC News; Express