An mother has been banned from owning dogs for 10 years after a French Bulldog she was looking after attacked her seven-year-old son, leaving him with serious facial injuries, a court has heard.

The woman, who has not been named to protect the identity of her child, appeared at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (March 6), where she pleaded guilty to being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury.

Horrifying Incident at Family Home

Prosecutor Shelina Khudurun told the court that the attack occurred in December at the family’s home. The mother was tidying the house when she suddenly heard her son scream from the living room.

Rushing in, she found that the French Bulldog, which she had been temporarily caring for on behalf of a friend, had jumped onto the sofa and bitten her son’s face.

The court heard that the seven-year-old boy had attempted to kiss the dog before it lunged at him. He was rushed to hospital, where he required stitches for a deep facial wound.

Mother’s Explanation in Court

During her appearance in court, the mother expressed her remorse and explained her motivations.

“My kids asked for a dog. I don’t work so we couldn’t afford a dog and I just wanted my kids to be happy. I’d bend over backwards to make them happy,” she said.

“I didn’t know much about dogs but my friend asked if I could watch her dog for a while. I said yes and my kids were so excited… It happened so quickly. If there was a concern I would have got rid of the dog immediately as my children’s safety comes first, but it never showed any signs of aggression.”

Sentence and Ban

District Judge Matt Jabbitt handed the woman a £250 fine, and she was also ordered to pay more than £500 in kennel fees.

The court also heard that the dog has since been put down.

In addition to the financial penalties, Judge Jabbitt banned the woman from owning or keeping dogs until 2035.