Family stroll nightmare after baby mauled by escaped dog at Hope Island

A six-month-old baby has been rushed to hospital after being mauled by a large dog in an “unprovoked” attack during an afternoon family stroll. ALL THE DETAILS

A six-month-old baby has had to undergo emergency surgery after being mauled by a large dog in an "unprovoked" attack.

A six-month-old baby has undergone emergency surgery for significant injuries from an “unprovoked” dog attack during an afternoon family stroll.

Jacob Rose and wife Francine were walking on Crescent Ave, Hope Island with their cavoodle and baby Nathaniel when a large dog escaped a “poorly enclosed yard”, at 6pm on Tuesday.

“(The dog) ran across the road, attacking my family unprovoked, biting both my small cavoodle and then my baby,” Mr Rose said.

A six-month-old baby has had to have emergency surgery after being mauled by a dog on the Gold Coast. Picture: Facebook

Mr Rose launched towards the dog, in a bid to protect his family, and continued to wrestle with it as neighbours and bystanders rushed to help, calling Queensland Ambulance Services.

Baby Nathaniel was rushed to hospital, with bites and injuries to his head and body.

Mr Rose also thanked bystanders who came to their aid.

Witness Rick Mitchell posted to Facebook: “I was there to witness the distraught family covered in blood as most of the people who owned the dog just stood there watching from inside their yard.”

Mr Mitchell said the dog easily escaped because the property had “dodgy” fencing.

“The property had temporary fencing around the yard with visible holes for the dog to escape,” he said.

Mr Rose said it was the “worst situation of our lives”.

“The surgery went well,” he said. “(Nathaniel) needed stitches to his face and head to rectify the damage inflicted.

“Nathaniel is home and resting, which is all that matters.”

Family friend Erinn took care of the cavoodle while Nathaniel was in hospital. The small dog was left with bite injuries after an “unprovoked” attack in Hope Island. Picture: Facebook

The Gold Coast City Council receives up to 50 to 60 reports every month of dog attacks.

In April, a three-year-old girl suffered significant injuries to her head and neck after a mauling by four dogs on a Yatala property.

Gold Coast City Council confirmed the dogs, believed to be a German Shepherd and mastiff breeds, were put down.

In July, City Hall launched its biggest crackdown on dangerous dogs – increasing fines up to four times for owners who fail to control aggressive pets.

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate has said an increase of dogs living in the city has resulted in an increase in reported dog attacks, with 700 reported each year.

“We need to hold dog owners accountable and put a stop to any irresponsible and dangerous behaviour.”

The fine for failing to keep pets contained within your property carries a $309 penalty.