The family of a baby girl mauled by an XL bully in a horrific attack say she is now recovering at home.
Nine-month-old Arabella was airlifted to a London hospital in a serious condition following the alarming incident at a house in Hawkinge, near Folkestone, on December 11.
The dog responsible for the attack – an 18-month-old called Hunter – was seized at the scene by police and later euthanised by a vet.
Arabella’s family has since revealed she was put into an induced coma in intensive care to give her the best chance of recovery.
They also say her injuries did not require any surgery and she was discharged after three weeks in hospital.
Her grandfather told KentOnline this week: “Arabella is doing really well, bless her, as is her mum.
“She was put into an induced coma for the best positive outcome so she could get better, as she’s only a baby.
“Arabella and her mum have been so brave.
“The doctors and nurses were brilliant and supported the family at such a terrible time. Arabella’s mum would like to say a massive thank you to them and the air ambulance doctors.”
The alarming incident saw a huge emergency services presence in Siskin Close at about 2.30pm.
Police and forensics officers attended, with up to nine patrol cars spotted at the scene.
A builder working nearby told KentOnline at the time: “I’ve been working here since March and it’s normally an incredibly quiet area.
“We have since heard about the baby girl involved in the incident and it sounds absolutely horrific.”
On the day of the attack, an 18-year-old man and a 76-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control.
It was confirmed this week that the two suspects remain on bail while investigations continue.
Following the incident, it emerged that Hunter had been seized by police 13 months before the attack on Arabella following a report its owner had been bitten on the finger, causing a minor injury.
The owner was asked to voluntarily surrender the dog to officers to be put down but declined to hand it over.
A police spokesperson said: “There were no legal grounds for officers to retain the dog in the circumstances, but the owner was asked to agree to accept the conditions of a police order, which included keeping the dog secure and supervised.”
This initial incident happened before new laws banning people from owning, selling, breeding or giving away XL bullies came into force in February last year.
It is understood Hunter had been registered under the controversial legislation.
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