A 17-year-old girl, who sustained severe injuries to her head, neck, and body in an attack by a 10-year-old mixed-breed dog belonging to a friend, has tragically passed away. The teenager, identified as Annalyse Blyton, known for her caring nature and promising future, was studying at her friend’s residence when the incident occurred.
The dog, a combination of boxer, bull Arab, and Irish wolfhound breeds, was involved in the attack at a property in New South Wales, Australia, as reported by News.com.au. Following the assault, emergency services responded promptly, providing initial treatment at the scene before airlifting the girl to a hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries on Monday, September 8.
Good Samaritans attempted to intervene during the attack, and Annalyse’s mother expressed gratitude towards the emergency responders as her daughter fought for her life in the hospital. The dog, which was enclosed in a fenced yard at the time of the incident, was later euthanized by the police with the owner’s approval.
Acting Superintendent Justin Cornes commended the swift actions of bystanders, emphasizing the potentially worse outcome if not for their intervention. He praised the bravery of individuals who risked their safety to remove the dog from the scene.
In response to the tragic event, a spokesperson from the Department for Education conveyed deep sadness over Annalyse Blyton’s passing, extending sympathies to her family, friends, and the Singleton community. Concurrently, Local Government Minister Ron Hoenig described the incident as horrific, acknowledging the efforts of emergency services, bystanders, and medical staff who attended to Annalyse at John Hunter Hospital.
The incident coincides with a recent report revealing a rise in dog attacks across England and Wales, with incidents doubling in five areas since 2019. Notably, Cleveland Police reported a significant 163% increase in dog attacks over the same period, with other regions such as Lancashire, Warwickshire, Lincolnshire, and Devon & Cornwall also witnessing a surge in reported offenses.
This increase in dog attacks underscores the need for continued vigilance and awareness regarding pet ownership and safety measures to prevent such tragic incidents.