A child is currently in critical condition after an unleashed dog attacked them at a playground, according to authorities.
On a Saturday morning, Toronto Police Service officers were dispatched to Little Norway Park in Toronto, Ontario, following a report of an animal-related incident, as stated in a press release by the Toronto Police Service.
The incident involved a 38-year-old woman, Patrycja Siarek, who was at the playground with her unleashed dog. A father and his child were also present in the vicinity.
Shortly thereafter, the dog ran towards the child through an open gate and attacked, biting and pulling the child to the ground, police reported.
Both Siarek and the child’s father made efforts to separate the dog from the child. However, once the dog released the child, Siarek allegedly left the scene with the animal.
The following day, police conducted a search warrant at a nearby location, resulting in Siarek’s arrest. She is facing multiple charges, including criminal negligence causing bodily harm and failure to prevent a dog from biting or attacking, as per police reports.
In a previous press release, police sought the public’s assistance in identifying Siarek, revealing that the child was hospitalized with serious, life-altering, albeit non-life-threatening injuries.
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The police have confirmed that the dog involved in the incident has been taken into custody by Toronto Animal Services.
As of the latest update, it remains uncertain whether Siarek has entered a plea or appointed an attorney to represent her, with her court appearance scheduled for Monday.