After dog bite attacks, the head of pediatric surgery at Leipzig University Hospital (UKL) has called for better protection for children. "Such attacks deeply traumatize children and cause them permanent injuries," said surgeon Martin Lacher. The facial injuries not only leave scars, but also shape the children's lives, often combined with psychological wounds that never heal completely.
Dog bites children in the face
In mid-August, a Great Dane attacked and bit two children (four and eight years old) in a restaurant in Torgau (district of North Saxony). "These were extensive, very deep bite wounds in the middle of the face," said the pediatric surgeon. "It's not something we see every day, but unfortunately it's far too common now." This year, 10 children have already been treated as inpatients at the UKL following dog bites, compared to 24 last year.
He appealed to adults to take more responsibility. This included protective measures such as training for dog owners, especially family dogs, to increase "dog-child competence". Rules for children when dealing with dogs are also important.
