?..dog attacks can leave children disfigured for life as well as being fatal.

Two attacks in the past twenty four hours have led to children being hospitalized; two more examples of why children should not be around dangerous dogs, Kidsafe Victoria said today.

Dr Mark Stokes, President of Kidsafe Victoria said dogs and young children, especially babies and toddlers, do not mix and dog attacks can leave children disfigured for life as well as being fatal.

?A recent survey of councils in Victoria found there were 3300 reported dog attacks in one year - that's about 63 incidents a week, or nine attacks a day according to media reports.?

A report by the Monash University Accident Research Centre concluded,  ?Dog bites are a substantial public health problem in Victoria, with  an average of one child death and 170 hospital admissions for dog bite injury reported each year, and a further 427 hospital emergency presentations for children aged 0-14 years.?

?Young children under five should not be left unsupervised with dogs including family pets.?  

Dr Stokes said it is quite clear that  certain breeds of dogs, which have been bred for hunting, should not be anywhere near babies and young children, a stance which has been well promoted by the RSPCA.

Kidsafe believed the community is not aware of the number of reported dog attacks which take place within each local government area and called for a monthly tally to be publicly released, similar to the road toll by councils.

?As a community we need to become far more aware of the dangers of dogs with babies and young children. 

?A monthly report on the number of dog attacks in each council area and a state wide figure would at least provide an indication of the problem,? Dr Stokes said.