Call to ban dog breed that mauled toddler at Osborne

A vet has called for a ban on the breed of dog that mauled a toddler in her Adelaide home – and a huge majority of you agree. Vote in our poll.

An expert has called for a ban on the breed of dog that attacked a two-year-old girl on Monday afternoon.

Toddler Alaruh was at home when she was mauled by her family dog, a 35kg South African Boerboel, which has since been seized by authorities.

Emergency services were called to the Camilla Ave home at Osborne around 1.30pm before the young girl was taken to the Women’s and Children’s Hospital with her mother Natasha Varney by her side.

Vet Derek McNair said the South African dog breed is bred to ”protect” which can lead to aggressive behaviour.

Toddler Alaruh was mauled by her family dog. Picture: 7 NEWS

The family dog is a South African Boerboel which has since been seized by authorities. Picture: 7 NEWS

Dr McNair, the director of the Parade Norwood Veterinary Clinic, said the “very large” dogs should be banned from suburban areas as they are more likely to show aggressive behaviours – especially due to their protective nature.

“They are not as good with strangers and with other dogs that they may meet,” Dr McNair said.

Dr McNair said the dogs need ongoing training, obedience and care.

“If they end up in a family that is not prepared to put in that work and training then the risks certainly increase,” he said.

“Any dog in the wrong circumstance, without the training, has the potential to bite,” he said.

“There are certain breeds that are probably more likely.”

Dr McNair said although the Australian Veterinary Association and the RSPCA are not in favour of banning breeds – including African Boerboel’s – he is.

“There are certain breeds which have a higher risk attached to them and are less suitable to be living in suburbia,” he said.

“I think banning certain breeds is justified,” he said.

He said that all dogs should be monitored when playing with children.

“No young child should be left unattended with any dog.

“The larger the dog then obviously the more potential damage they can cause.”

Sam Margrave, head of the dog-care team at the RSPCA in South Australia, said parents should educate themselves of the “low-level signs dogs show when they’re uncomfortable”.

“Low-level signs that are missed often are lip licking, whale eye, tense body, avoiding gaze (and) freezing,” he said.

The RSPCA advises that small children are never left unsupervised with dogs, despite how well an owner thinks they know the dog.

Two-year-old Alaruh was rushed to the hospital with facial injuries after she was mauled by the family dog in Osborne. Picture: Facebook

Alaruh’s dad, Chris Walker, with the 35kg family dog. Picture: 7 NEWS

South Australian breeders of the South African Boerboel said the breed is “loyal to their families but aloof with strangers”.

“They are extremely large, powerful dogs that were bred to work independently as guardians and therefore should be supervised around strangers,” their website said.

“This is not a breed you can take to your children’s sports games.”

Chris Walker with his daughter Alaruh, who was mauled by their family dog. Picture: 7 NEWS

The toddler’s father, Chris Walker, told 7NEWS he heard growling inside their home before he discovered the dog attacking his daughter and her face badly bitten.

Neighbour Anthony Dear said he arrived home to find ambulance officers everywhere and told The Advertiser he grabbed the dog off the street.

Mr Dear said the dog was well behaved and wasn’t aggressive toward him.

“He was fine, he wasn’t angry or anything,” he said.

Mr Dear told The Advertiser he initially thought the dog was just wandering off and didn’t realise what had happened.

“He just looked like a puppy … he wasn’t aggressive or anything,” he said

“I don’t know why it snapped down there.”

Mr Dear said the girl’s father was ready to kill the dog himself.

“He was pretty angry,” he told 7NEWS.

“I dare say he would have if he had the chance.”

Community Safety Officers attended the Osborne home and removed the dog from the home. Picture: 7 NEWS

Port Adelaide Enfield Council has confirmed safety officers attended the property and removed the dog.

The owner surrendered the dog and it was immediately removed from the property.

The dog is currently being safely held at the council’s boarding facility.

Community Safety Officers will investigate the incident in the coming days and undertake further action as required.

SAPOL are aware of the incident.