A routine walk home from school turned into a nightmare for UK father Rowen Skinley and his three children when his 3-year-old daughter, Bunnie, was violently attacked by a Cockapoo near a primary school in Kent. The dog, described as small and sandy-colored, lunged at Bunnie, dragging her to the ground and tearing through her arm. Rowan, horrified, had to physically hold his daughter’s skin together as they waited for emergency help. Bystanders rushed to assist, but the dog’s owner fled the scene without offering help or leaving contact information. Bunnie was initially taken to Medway Maritime Hospital and later transferred to St Thomas’ Hospital for emergency plastic surgery.
The attack left Bunnie traumatized and physically scarred. Despite being back home, she remains shaken and repeatedly speaks about her fear of the dog. Her recovery was further complicated by a pre-existing lung condition and severe asthma, which required doctors to classify her as a high-risk patient during sedation. Kent Police have launched an investigation and are appealing to the public for CCTV or witness information to help identify the dog’s owner. The family is now calling for accountability and greater awareness to prevent similar incidents. Rowan emphasized the terrifying reality that a simple, everyday routine could become so dangerous due to irresponsible pet ownership, and he urges others to come forward to ensure no more children suffer the same fate.