A FURIOUS mother has today called for a change in the law after her young daughter was bitten on the face by a dog – but then she was told no offence had been committed.

Little Megan Fortune, four, had to have 12 stitches after a dog, believed to be a Rottweiler-German Shepherd cross, bit her while she was staying at her nan’s home in Felixstowe.

Megan’s nan Mary Hockley was looking after the dog for a friend and the attack happened about 7pm last Monday after the young girl reportedly stroked the pet.

Elizabeth Fortune, Megan’s mother, reported the incident to police but she was told because the animal was in a private place where it was allowed to be, no offence had taken place under the Dangerous Dogs Act.

Miss Fortune, 25, of Runnacles Way, Felixstowe, is now calling for politicians to look into the law.

She said: “I just find it hard to believe that a dog can do that, let alone to a child, and there are no repercussions.

“I would absolutely love a change in the law.

“Even if it said the dog would need to be muzzled near children, I believe there needs to be something changed because I find it amazing a dog can do that and nothing can be done about it. I think it’s ridiculous.

“He has always been a lovely dog. We have had a lot of contact with him over the past four years. He has never shown any sign of aggression which is why it came as such a shock – we were just completely gobsmacked.”

Megan was taken to Ipswich Hospital after the incident where cosmetic surgeons had to be called in to help repair her wounds, which took more than an hour.

She had to have stitches above and below her eye and on her jaw line. She was released from hospital the following day.

Megan is making a good recovery but Miss Fortune said she was traumatised immediately after the incident.

She added: “She knew the dog quite well, I don’t think she could understand why he had done that. I worry it could have been so much worse.”

The owner of the dog did not wish to comment on the incident.

? Should the law on dangerous dogs be changed? Write to Your Letters, Ipswich Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, IP4 1AN, or you can send an e-mail to starletters@archant.co.uk