WARNING: Graphic content
Police are still working to track down a dog which mauled a little boy at a school in Adelaide’s western suburbs on Wednesday.
The three-year-old had skin torn from his cheek and his mouth ripped open when he was attacked at a primary school playground in Pennington about 4.20pm.
Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Father of mauled boy’s plea for dog owner to come forward.
Police and an ambulance were called to Butler Ave before paramedics took the boy to the Women and Children’s Hospital, where he spent Wednesday night recovering from surgery.
His parents have been told his facial injuries may leave permanent scars.
“I was pretty upset and I still am very upset because if you look at it, it’s half his face and he’s only a child,” his father Bassam Hafiz said.
The dog owner is accused of leaving the area with his pet before emergency services arrived, police said.
Witnesses say the dog was not on a leash when it attacked and was quickly whisked away by its owner.
“I’ve seen a photo of the dog. It’s only a small dog but (my boy) only a baby too,” Hafiz said.
He said: “I don’t know what to say to him. How can you just run off? A small child (is injured).”
Police are working with the City of Charles Sturt Council inspectors to investigate.
Under tough new draft laws before state parliament, an owner could be fined up to $25,000 if their dog attacks another person or animal and causes serious injury or death.
The boy’s parents say he has been clinging to them since the attack but has received incredible support from his friends.
Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers.