Seven-year-old attacked as dog 'snaps' during party

A 7-year-old's face was left bloodied and scarred after she was bitten by a dog at a Christmas party in Wyndham.
The black labrador was shot as Danielle Huntington was taken to Southland Hospital, where doctors treated gaping wounds that almost threatened her eye.
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Mr Kirkwood said he was told Danielle was among children playing at the Marshall's Garage customers' party and near another, unrelated and private party next door.
Mr Kirkwood understood the dog "snapped" at Danielle when she lunged for its bone.
Mrs Huntington said police had not interviewed Danielle, who maintained she was bitten after the dog, unprovoked, knocked her over. Hum.. a dog and/or a lab doesn't snap when one gets knocked over. Poor girl, she probably thinks that people would think less of her if she told the truth.

Whatever the case, Mr Kirkwood said it was a "snap, all-of-a-sudden event that resulted in a significant injury – but the people at the garage party reacted quickly and did a great job".
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Mr Kirkwood said the owner gave him permission to shoot the dog. It was an upsetting situation for everyone. Of course, you do realise that they will get a city council fine because the city council wants their blood too!
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The whole horrible experience showed dogs, no matter how benign the breed, should be supervised around children.

Marshall's Garage owner Minnie Turner said the incident was a bolt from the blue. I don't hink so... I'm sure the dog gave signs 4b hand.
Before the incident it was thought to be "just a barker", and was usually tied up.
Now that is probably the problem. "Usually tied up". Too bad the owner didn't undrestand 'dog' and their social need to be part of the pack.

Regardless of the circumstances, Danielle was a brave wee girl. Many Wyndham people had donated money to buy her something to "make her Christmas brighter", Mr Turner said.