DOG attacks are thankfully very rare, so it is quite startling to think that the same family has been subjected to a terrifying ordeal twice in three weeks.

It is thanks to the swift actions of the protecting parents that in both instances the dogs did not manage to harm anyone.

Both instances involved very young children and could have ended in tragedy.

The owners of the dogs involved have recklessly endangered the lives of children, one of which is just four-weeks-old.

Dogs in public areas should be kept on leads, especially if they show such aggressive tendencies as to bolt for people and other dogs as happened in this case.

It is the responsibility of owners to control their pets and it is shocking that the owner of the boxer involved in the latest attack refused to call it back.

The family are thankful they managed to escape unharmed but the irresponsible owner should be thanking his lucky stars too. 
On another day, his unwillingness to intervene could have led to an altogether more heart-breaking outcome.