British Girl, 5, Mauled By Pet American Bulldog

[Kody's_Mum]

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A FIVE-year-old British girl suffered severe facial injuries after she was mauled by her family's American bulldog.

The girl, named locally as Tanisha Hall, was taken to hospital along with her stepfather, who injured his arm trying to force the dog to release her, Sky News reported.

A police spokesperson confirmed neither of the victims' injuries were considered life-threatening.

Officers were called not long after 7pm on Sunday to the home in Northampton, central England, where they seized the dog.

The animal was humanely put down by authorities Monday.

Neighbors expressed shock that the "bubbly, lovely" blonde girl had been the victim of such a brutal attack by the family pet.

American bulldogs are known for being stocky and strong, but they are considered suitable family pets in the U.K. and are not banned by law.

The Dangerous Dog Act bans the ownership of four breeds: the pit bull terrier, Japanese tosa, the Argentine dogo and the Brazilian mastiff.

But the frequency and ferocity of dog attacks, as well as a rise in dogs bred as weapons, has led to calls for the 1991 law to be updated.

Hopefully the young child recovers quickly and the scaring both physically and mentally are not great. Poor little girl.

Edited May 31, 2010 by Kody's_Mum