Neighbours heard pet dog mauling girl, 10, left at home alone
A 10-year-old girl has suffered horrific injuries after being savaged by the family dog when she was left at home with her seven-year-old sister.
A quiet Melbourne home became a house of horror when neighbours heard the girl's desperate screams as one of two pet dogs attacked.
As her helpless younger sister watched on, the animal ripped at the girl, tossing her around like a rag doll.
Neighbour Jimmy Baird, who was first on the scene, described the dog as "going ballistic".
He managed to get into the house through the garage, but couldn't get to the girls because the dog went for him.
Another neighbour managed to distract the animal towards another window, allowing Mr Baird just enough time to grab the girl.
"She was covered in dirt, leaves, blood, yeah, just in shock," Kerrie Baird said.
The dog breed is a South African Boerboel, bred to fight off lions.
Both dogs were unregistered, with previous complaints including one for biting a person.
The mother of the two little girls had left them alone with the dogs while she went to the gym with her boyfriend.
If not for the bravery of neighbours, the outcome could have been much worse, but Mr Baird says he isn't a hero.
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"We're just neighbours and I'd like to think someone would do the same for me," he said.
The little girl remains at the Royal Children's Hospital in a stable condition, surrounded by her family.
Her injuries are extensive and cover much of her body.
The dog responsible for the attack was put down on Monday afternoon by council rangers with the permission of the owner.
At this stage, it is still unclear what will become of the family's second dog.
