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Adelaide boy, 9, puts life on the line to save little girl in dog attack

A nine-year-old boy has been hailed as a hero for risking his life to save a little girl from vicious dog attack in South Australia.

Matty Gebauer was visiting a playground at Evanston Gardens when he was his three-year-old friend Willow was about to be attacked by a staffy bull terrier which had jumped its fence.

“He was about to launch at her when instead I got in the way and it launched at me,” he said.

Nine-year-old Matty Gebauer after the dog attack. Source: 7 News
Nine-year-old Matty Gebauer after the dog attack. Source: 7 News
Matty was attacked by a dog similar to this one. Source: 7 News
Matty was attacked by a dog similar to this one. Source: 7 News

The nine-year-old didn’t hesitate and took matters into his own hands.

Springing into action, Matty threw himself in front of a stray bull terrier, which then started biting his face.

Matty's lip was partially severed in the dog attack. Source: 7 News
Matty's lip was partially severed in the dog attack. Source: 7 News

With his lip partially severed, the boy managed to fight the dog off.

And now his family are hailing him for his bravery.

Matty's mum (left) and grandmother (right) have praised him for his bravery. Source: 7 News
Matty's mum (left) and grandmother (right) have praised him for his bravery. Source: 7 News

“That’s just what he’s like in his heart,” his mum Cassy said.

“He will do anything to protect a younger person.”

Family friend Anna Dennert said Matt was her hero and his own actions haven’t been lost on him.

Matty in hospital after the incident. Source: 7 News
Matty in hospital after the incident. Source: 7 News

“They said that I’m amazing, I’m a superhero and I’m a champ,” he said.

“I’m going to tell them (friends at school) that I saved a little girl.”

Matty gets a hug from three-year-old Willow, who he was trying to protect. Source: 7 News
Matty gets a hug from three-year-old Willow, who he was trying to protect. Source: 7 News

Gawler Council says it seized the dog and euthanised it yesterday.

The dog’s owners won’t face any further repercussions.

Today's top news headlines - June 27