UK Toddler Mauled by Dog in Vicious Attack During Walk Home From School
Keywords: UK dog attack, Cockapoo attack, Kent dog incident, child mauled by dog, dog owner flees, dog attack investigation, Bunnie Skinley, Kent Police, dog bite injuries, dog attack trauma
Routine Walk Turns Into Nightmare
What should have been a quiet walk home from school turned into a horrific ordeal for a UK father and his young children. In a terrifying moment near a primary school in Kent, England, 3-year-old Bunnie Skinley was brutally attacked by a dog, leaving her with severe injuries that required emergency surgery.
Cockapoo Lunges at 3-Year-Old Girl
The frightening incident occurred as father Rowan Skinley walked his three children home after school. According to The Mirror, a Cockapoo — a cross between a Cocker Spaniel and Poodle — suddenly lunged at little Bunnie without warning, dragging her to the ground and viciously tearing through her arm.
“Then, out of nowhere, the dog just lunged for my daughter and pulled her to the floor. The owner managed to pull the dog off, but when she did that, it ripped her skin open,” Rowan recalled.
The narrow path along the road offered little room for escape. Bunnie hadn’t provoked the animal, witnesses confirmed, and yet she became the victim of a brutal mauling.
A Desperate Race to Save Bunnie
The toddler was rushed to Medway Maritime Hospital, but due to the severity of her wounds, she was quickly transferred to St Thomas’ Hospital in Westminster. Rowan described the horrifying moment he had to physically hold his daughter’s skin together while waiting for help:
“I was so shocked. All I had to stop the bleeding was my hands. I had to basically hold her skin together.”
Surgeons performed extensive plastic surgery on Bunnie’s damaged arm. Multiple X-rays were conducted to ensure no internal bone damage had occurred from the dog’s teeth.
Dog Owner Flees Scene
Adding to the trauma, the dog’s owner fled the scene immediately after the attack, offering no assistance or contact information. Rowan expressed his frustration over the owner’s actions:
“The woman just disappeared. She didn’t leave any details or anything.”
Authorities are now actively searching for the unidentified woman. According to Kent Police, the dog involved is described as a small, sandy-colored Cockapoo.
Emotional Aftermath for Bunnie
While Bunnie is now home recovering physically, the emotional scars remain. The 3-year-old continues to relive the terrifying attack.
“She’s doing well now. She’s just a bit shaken and keeps talking about how scared she is of the dog,” Rowan said.
Bunnie’s situation is made even more complicated by her existing medical conditions, including a serious lung issue and asthma, which placed her in a high-risk category during her surgery.
Public Appeal for Information
Kent Police are appealing to the public for help identifying the dog’s owner. Anyone with CCTV, doorbell footage, or firsthand accounts is urged to call 01634 792209, referencing case number 46/102876/25.
“It’s really upsetting that the woman didn’t stop because it makes you fear for the safety of other kids,” Rowan added.
A Family’s Plea for Accountability
The attack has left the Skinley family devastated and searching for justice. What should have been a simple walk home turned into a nightmare that will likely stay with Bunnie for years to come. Her father now hopes this horrifying event will serve as a warning about the dangers of irresponsible pet ownership.
“No parent ever expects a walk home from school to end in horror,” Rowan said.
Dog Attack Raises Safety Concerns
This case has renewed public debate in the UK surrounding dog ownership responsibility, especially regarding proper restraint and control in public spaces. Dog attacks involving young children can have life-altering consequences, both physically and emotionally.
