Attacked by dog

A 13-year-old girl has been praised for her bravery after she was attacked by a dog just before Christmas.

Rachel Wisniewski had her lower lip and chin ripped off by a bull mastiff after the dog suddenly turned on her while at a friend's house near Preston.

She has already had to have 27 hours of surgery, some of which took place on Christmas Day.

In an article in the Lancashire Evening Post, Rachel's dad Jim commended his daughter for her bravery and said: "Rachel is not just having to deal with the physical effects of the attack, she is also having to live with the mental consequences of what has happened.

"She is a 13-year-old girl who was just starting to get interested in wearing make-up and talking to boys when this happened and tore her world apart.

"It is such a lot for someone so young to deal with, but Rachel has been so brave it is unbelievable.

"She has shown great courage and the whole family is very proud of her."

The dog has been destroyed and Rachel has had plastic surgery at Royal Preston Hospital to rebuild her face.

Copyright © Press Association 2009

Katrina Elsey of Irwin Mitchell Solicitors commented: "This case demonstrates the need for dog owners to keep their pets under control at all times. The affects of a dog attack can have serious consequences for victims often leaving physical scarring and metal distress.

If you know anyone who has been attacked by a dog then please contact us on 0370 1500 100.