Boy, 4, bitten in dog attack at popular Sydney park

A horrified mum has recalled the moment her son was playing on the swings at a popular Sydney playground when a nightmare unfolded.

A young boy has been “traumatised” after being attacked by a dog while being pushed on the swings at a popular beachside park in Sydney, with authorities searching for the animal and its owner.

The boy’s mother Diana Bond is now calling on the local council to install fencing at the idyllic Marks Park in Tamarama, where an off-lead dog last week “charged” at her son Jagger.

The four-year-old suffered puncture wounds to his leg, armpit and shoulder area as his mother attempted to fight off the dog over an agonising few minutes.

Unbelievably, the dog owner fled the scene.

Jagger was attacked while playing on the swings.

His mum tried to fight off the dog. Pictures: Supplied

“I was pushing Jagger on the swing and out of nowhere came the dog, charging directly to him on the swing,” Ms Bond said.

“I was really trying hard to protect him. I already have a fear of dogs.

“And it just kept pouncing. It just kept jumping up and it wouldn’t stop. I was petrified.”

The clifftop Marks Park, located on the coastal track between Bondi and Tamarama beaches, is a much-loved spot for locals and tourists alike.

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Marks Park is located at one of Sydney’s most popular walking spots. Picture: Supplied

It offers panoramic views of the coastline and a playground for children, where the Bond family’s ordeal unfolded about 11.40am on July 24.

“It felt like three minutes until the guy came (the dog’s owner),” Ms Bond said.

“And once he came, it took him another minute to get the dog under control. Like, he couldn’t even control the dog.

“And as soon as he had some grip on the dog, I ran out.”

Some nearby construction workers brought a first aid kit to help treat Jagger’s wounds on Kenneth St before his frantic mum rushed the boy to hospital.

She claimed the dog’s owner took “zero responsibility” for the incident and later fled the scene. In her rush, Ms Bond didn’t ask for the man’s details.

“My mum and dad were there and my mum said, ‘why’s he off the lead?’. He (the owner) said ‘it’s a dog park’,” Ms Bond said.

“Since then I have obviously told my friends and they have heard of other incidents.

“One of my friends has a dog, and she doesn’t take it because she’s scared of other attacks happening.”

Jagger was treated at a Sydney children’s hospital. Picture: Supplied

The dog was described as being gold or brown in colour, but Ms Bond was unsure of its breed.

Waverley Council is investigating the attack and rangers have attempted to recover CCTV footage from the area around the park.

“Waverley Council staff are making every effort to find the dog and owner responsible,” a spokesperson said.

“Anyone with any information in relation to the attack is encouraged to contact Waverley Council.”

Marks Park does permit off-lead dog walking and play – but only from 4.30pm in the afternoon and before 8.30am in the morning.

Dogs are also not allowed within 10 metres of the play equipment. There is no fencing around the playpark.

The council said there had “been no other recent reports of dog attacks in Marks Park this year”.

Dogs are allowed off-lead between certain times. Picture: Waverley Council

Ms Bond said Jagger’s wounds were healing but “mentally, he’s traumatised”.

“He’s petrified of walking on the street,” she said.

“If he sees a dog from the car, he’s scared. Physically I know he’s gonna heal … his wounds are gonna be fine eventually.

“But mentally, I think it’s going to take a lot of help.”

She has called on the council to install fencing on the coastal side of the playground, to keep dogs out of the area.

“I would love the park where the children feel safe and secure to be completely fenced off.”

Originally published as Boy, 4, bitten in dog attack at popular Sydney park