Luan Tissong was mauled by two dogs.
Image: Supplied
TWO pit bulls that attacked an eight-year-old boy in Phoenix on Sunday have been euthanised.
The dogs' owner said that while this was heartbreaking, she felt it was the only decision, and that the dogs were not let loose on the road. She said both dogs escaped when she entered her property.
The woman, who declined to be named due to safety concerns, said the pit bulls, aged one and five, were euthanised on Tuesday.
In viral social media videos, Luan Tissong was seen walking with his mother to a nearby shop when a dog ran across the road towards them.
On instinct, the child’s mother pulled her son toward her.
The dog owner, who was across the road, tried to restrain the second dog, but she was unable to, and it also ran toward the child.
Luan and his mom lay on the floor, while both dogs were on top of them.
The owner tried to restrain the dogs.
Her son, who emerged from the same vicinity as his mother, also attempted to pull the dogs away from Luan and his mom, while residents also attempted to help.
One dog appeared to be beaten, while the second was restrained.
The mother and child were then moved to safety.
Luan’s maternal aunt, Karishma Rambally, said he sustained a scalp injury, bites to his ear, near his genitals, and scratches and bites across his torso and his left hand.
“His arm is the main focus for the doctors because they aren't able to fully treat it at the moment. He is receiving excellent treatment at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital and is stable,” said Rambally.
She said Luan often spoke about the incident.
“He is talking to us and especially to his mother, questioning why the attack happened and what he could have done differently to prevent it.
“He also talks about how bravely his mum fought to protect him during the attack. She sustained several bites and scratches on her body and was badly bruised after she was dragged.”
Rambally said her nephew was diagnosed on the ADHD spectrum.
"Luan is uncomfortable around people. Even though we have pets at home, he is uncomfortable around dogs, and we have to make sure that we keep our dog away from him.”
She said dog owners should take responsibility for their pets by keeping them on their properties.
Lieutenant Colonel Paul Magwaza, a provincial police spokesperson, said: “A case of negligently allowing/failure to prevent an animal from causing injury is being investigated.”
Two weeks ago, the eThekwini Council adopted a motion to review municipal by-laws concerning dangerous dogs following the tragic death of a Montclair woman. This motion aims to enhance public safety and ensure stricter enforcement of regulations.
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