Pit Bull Mauls 7-Year-Old, Boy Suffers Horrific Injuries From Attack

An American pit bull mauled a 7-year-old boy while he was playing in the street in North West England. Lewis Moffatt was playing in Kirkdale, Merseyside, with his school friend when the dog attacked the boy.

According to local media outlet the Liverpool Echo, the dog sunk its teeth into the child's back, leaving him with horrific injuries. Photos of the injuries were shared by the boy's mother Joanne Baines.

The 7-year-old was rushed to Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool where he received treatment for his wounds. He remained in hospital until Monday before being released. The attack reportedly took place Saturday, the Mirror reported Wednesday.

"On Saturday my little boy had gone around to a friend's for dinner in the next street. The boys go to school together," the child's mother said. "They were playing on Delmore Street and my friend was in the front garden watching them on a little patch of grass... There was a big pit bull in the corner and it chased him, pinned him down and bit into him."

"It really got hold of him. He had to have all his wounds cleaned out. We were in hospital from Saturday night until Monday. He missed the match and then the parade. He's been gutted over it. He just keeps saying that he hopes nothing happened to the dog, and he doesn't want to go out or anything."

Baines added: "I only want other kids to be aware in the area because I wouldn't want it to happen to anyone else's child. I've never experienced anything like this in my life. I'm still in a daze."

The mother praised the work of the emergency services and hospital staff in responding to the attack and caring for Lewis.

Merseyside Police Inspector John Whittingham said: “We are keen to speak to any witnesses who may have seen the incident or this dog on previous occasions... I want to emphasise that anyone walking their dog needs to be mindful of their dogs' behaviour at all times and keep their pet on a lead if it is liable to be aggressive."

"Children should be able to play outside free of the fear of being attacked in this way and we will not tolerate irresponsible dog ownership on Merseyside," Whittingham said.

A spokesman for Merseyside Police added: "The American pit bull dog and its owner were located, and the dog – which is not a banned breed – was signed over for destruction... Enquiries into the incident are ongoing."