8-year-old girl in serious condition after dog attack in Sosnowiec, father injured while shielding her
An 8-year-old girl was severely bitten by dogs she had long known at her father's workplace in Sosnowiec-Dańdówka. The father used his body to protect her and was also injured.
A family visit to feed dogs at a company premises in Sosnowiec-Dańdówka turned violent on Friday evening, 26 June, when the animals attacked an 8-year-old girl. The father and his two daughters, aged 8 and 10, had gone to the site where the man works to give food to the dogs, animals the family had known for a long time and that had never previously shown aggression.
The attack and rescue
According to the Sosnowiec City Police, shortly before 8 p.m. the dogs suddenly lunged at the younger girl. The father tried to shield her with his own body, sustaining injuries himself. Bystanders who witnessed the attack helped drive the dogs away, and a veterinarian later decided to transport the animals to a shelter for observation. The older daughter was unharmed.
The man and his children had known these animals for a long time; they had never shown any signs of aggression towards them. During this visit, however, the dogs threw themselves at the younger girl. The father shielded his daughter with his own body, also suffering injuries.
Injuries and hospitalisation
The 8-year-old was taken to Sosnowieckie Centrum Pediatrii in serious condition, RMF FM reported. The father received lighter injuries; some reports state he did not require medical assistance, while others note he was given first aid on the spot. The 10-year-old was unharmed.
Investigation and safety warning
Police officers are investigating the circumstances of the attack, including who owned the dogs. The first emergency call came in just before 6 p.m., according to RMF FM, though most sources place the incident before 8 p.m. In a public statement, the police reminded residents that even a familiar dog can behave unpredictably and advised against running or making direct eye contact during an attack. They recommended standing sideways, keeping balance, and adopting a protective turtle position if the dog strikes.
Even a dog we know well and which has never shown signs of aggression can, in certain circumstances, behave unpredictably and attack when least expected.
