What started as a routine walk home from school quickly turned into a traumatic nightmare for UK father Rowan Skinley and his three young children.
Rowan was walking with his kids when his 3-year-old daughter, Bunnie, was suddenly attacked by a dog. The violent incident, which nearly claimed her life, occurred near a primary school in Kent.
According to *The Mirror*, the dog—a Cockapoo—lunged at Bunnie, dragged her to the ground, and severely injured her arm. Rowan later described the scene as horrifying, saying his daughter was “ripped open.”
Despite her young age, Bunnie was helpless in the face of the attack. Quick-thinking bystanders rushed over to help, and she was taken to the hospital with serious wounds that required emergency plastic surgery. Rowan recounted how he had to physically hold her torn skin together until doctors could operate.
Disturbingly, the dog’s owner reportedly fled the scene without offering help or leaving any contact information.
“She didn’t even leave her details,” Rowan said. “I was in complete shock. I just used my hands to stop the bleeding.”
Witnesses told Rowan that Bunnie hadn’t provoked the dog in any way. The attack appeared to come without warning as the dog’s owner walked it on the roadside.
Kent Police confirmed they are investigating and described the dog as a small, sandy-colored Cockapoo. They are asking the public to share any information, including security camera or doorbell footage, by calling 01634 792209 and referencing case number 46/102876/25.
Bunnie was first treated at Medway Maritime Hospital but later transferred to St. Thomas’ Hospital in Westminster due to the severity of her injuries. Multiple X-rays were taken to ensure her bones weren’t punctured before she underwent reconstructive surgery.
Though she has returned home, Bunnie remains emotionally shaken. “She’s doing better physically, but she’s scared and keeps talking about the dog,” Rowan shared.
Adding to the concern, Bunnie has a pre-existing lung condition and severe asthma, which made sedation for her surgery especially risky.
“It’s heartbreaking that the woman just walked away,” Rowan said. “It makes you fear for other children’s safety.”
What should have been a safe, everyday moment between a father and his daughter turned into a horrifying experience. Now, the Skinley family is searching for justice and hoping that public help can prevent another child from going through the same ordeal.