UPDATE:
Police say the little boy who was attacked by a Great Dane has undergone surgery in the John Hunter hospital to reattach parts of his ear.
Doctors are also working to clean bacteria from the non-life threatening wounds to his face and neck.
Detective Acting Inspector Jeffrey Little said the boy's mother and sister were with him at the time, and the incident was traumatic for all involved.
'These matters are very traumatising for the children and the family," he said.
"Certainly children are very vulnerable to attacks by dogs," the Detective continued, "due to their size...they can suffer serious physical and psychological injuries or even death."
Jeffrey Little says the Mayfield attack serves as a timely reminder to dog owners to control their pets.
"Anybody who owns a dangerous dog is, in fact, liable if that dog bites anybody or attacks any person."
He says the Great Dane's future is uncertain.
"At this stage, it's a matter for the Council.
"There is an investigation underfoot and we are assisting Council with their enquires...there is every chance that dog could be destroyed."
EARLIER
A 3-year-old boy has been attacked by a dog while riding his bicycle at Mayfield.
The boy was riding along Antill Street at about 6.30pm on Tuesday when a Great Dane ran towards him from a nearby property and attacked him.
The boy suffered injuries to his face, neck, and upper back.
The dog retreated to its property and the boy was treated at the scene by Ambulance paramedics before being taken to John Hunter Hospital in a stable condition.
His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
Newcastle council and police inquiries into the incident are continuing.
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| Boy Attacked By Great Dane |
