Toddler flown to hospital after Winter Valley dog attack

A toddler seriously injured in a Ballarat dog attack will face his fifth operation this week as a fundraiser for his family raises more than $1100.

A toddler with serious lower body injuries was flown to The Royal Children's Hospital after being attacked by a dog in Winter Valley on September 11, 2023.

A toddler seriously injured in a “horrific” Ballarat dog attack will be operated on for the fifth time since the vicious incident last week.

A one-year-old from Swan Boulevard in Winter Valley was bitten by a dog — understood to be a staffy — in his own backyard on September 11.

He suffered serious lower body injuries and was flown to The Royal Children’s Hospital as dog walkers and estate residents looked on.

The boy, who is in a stable condition, underwent an operation late that night and again a few days later.

On Friday he will face his fifth procedure.

Residents walk down Swan Boulevard in Winter Valley as police and paramedics see to the incident.

His mother Stephanie Whitehead thanked paramedics, police, hospital staff, and Winter Valley residents for their support.

A fundraiser set up by a neighbour to cover the family’s costs had, at the time of writing, raised more than $1100.

“This is a horrific accident that has shocked not only the Winter Valley Rise community, but all who have heard of the incident,” organiser Erin Crawford said.

The City of Ballarat confiscated two dogs, which belonged to a neighbour, following the incident.

Those living at the home where the dogs resided did not wish to comment.