The toddler underwent surgery on Wednesday morning, the detective said, adding that the boy's injuries weren't life-threatening. Acting Inspector Little said the boy was with his mother and older sister when the attack occurred. "This is traumatic for the family, and probably the dog owner as well," he said. Detective acting Inspector Jeffrey Little said any dog has the potential to be dangerous, and owners should take precautions. He said there was "every chance" the dog would be destroyed following an investigation by the local council.

He said there was "no suggestion" the dog had attacked anyone before. "It's not a common theme for us to go to an attack by a great Dane," he said. He said it was a "timely warning" for all dog owners to make sure the necessary precautions were in place to prevent similar incidents. "There are some very serious offences under the Companion Animals Act, and they range right up to five years' imprisonment and/or a $77,000 fine," he said. While attacks by great Danes were uncommon, acting Inspector Little said any dog could be dangerous.

"Every dog has the potential, large or small, to attack." He said he was not going to tell parents how to do their jobs, but people with concerns about potentially dangerous dogs should contact their local council. Police are continuing their inquiries. A Newcastle City Council spokeswoman said it had launched an investigation into the attack and the dog had been surrendered. "Council officers are talking with the boy's family and the owner of the dog to determine exactly what happened and the next steps to be taken in the process."

Police were told the dog involved in the attack was a great Dane., such as this one Credit:Peter Rae The attack comes just days after a baby girl was mauled to death by a dog in northern NSW. One-year-old Kamillah suffered critical injuries after she was attacked by a rottweiler in Inverell on Saturday afternoon. Loading Police and paramedics rushed to the scene and began treating the girl, but she died on the way to hospital.