Schoolgirl dies after being mauled to death by friend's pet dog

A 17-year-old girl, who was left with critical injuries to her head, neck and body after her friend’s 10-year-old dog attacked her, has died.

Teenager Annalyse Blyton, who has been described by her friends and family as ‘caring’ with her ‘whole life ahead of her’ was studying at her friend’s home when she was attacked by the 10-year-old mixed-breed dog.

The dog was a mix of boxer, bull Arab and Irish wolfhound, according to News.com.au. Emergency services were called and the girl was treated by paramedics at the scene in New South Wales, Australia. She was then flown to hospital but sadly passed away on Monday September 8.

Passers-by tried to intervene and Annalyse’s mother thanked emergency responders as her daughter fought for life in hospital.

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It is understood the animal was in a fenced yard at the time of the attack and that the dog was later shot dead by police with the consent of the owner.

Acting Superintendent Justin Cornes said emergency services were faced with a “confronting” scene. “Without the quick actions of the bystanders, this incident could have been much, much worse,” he said at the time.

“Running into a scene where they didn’t know the full circumstances and to jump in there and remove the dog, it’s an incredible act.”

A Department for Education spokesperson said they were “deeply saddened by the passing of Annalyse Blyton”. “Our thoughts are with her family, friends and the Singleton community,” they said. "We are continuing to provide support to students and staff at the school.”

Meanwhile, the minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig said it was a “horrific incident that has resulted in the death of a young girl who had her whole life ahead of her”.

“I thank the emergency services personnel and bystanders who rushed to Annalyse’s aid during a very confronting situation, and the medical staff who provided care at John Hunter Hospital,” Mr Hoenig said “Our thoughts are with Annalyse’s loved ones in this terrible time.”

It comes as a report shows that dog attacks are increasing in every part of England and Wales, according to worrying new data out earlier this year.

Cases of dog attacks have gone up in every part of England and Wales, the with incidents doubling since 2019 in five areas. Overall, there were an average of 87 offences recorded per day of a person being injured in a dog attack during 2024.

The largest increase in the number of dog attacks was recorded by Cleveland Police, where they went up by a massive 163% between 2019 and 2024. Other police force areas where reported offences doubled over the same time period were Lancashire, Warwickshire, Lincolnshire and Devon & Cornwall.

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