A schoolgirl in Bridgend was left with permanent scarring after a dog attack that occurred while she was playing outside. Lilly, who was 10 years old at the time, was playing football with friends near her home when a neighbour’s dog attacked her. The incident, which took place in September 2023, left Lilly with multiple puncture wounds on her hand and serious facial injuries after the Staffordshire bull terrier cross breed ran out of the neighbour’s house and attacked her. Lilly’s father, Alex O’Byrne, recounted the horrifying moment when he heard his daughter scream and rushed outside to see her injured and bleeding. The dog responsible for the attack was surrendered and destroyed the same day. Subsequently, the owner of the dog was fined after pleading guilty to owning a dog that was dangerously out of control causing injury.
Following the attack, Lilly underwent surgery for her injuries but has been left with permanent scarring, particularly on her face. This has affected her confidence and self-esteem, as she now copes with the visible reminders of the traumatic incident. Apart from physical scars, Lilly also struggled with managing her anxiety post-attack. The emotional impact extended to her interactions with the family pet, Snapple, initially avoiding the dog due to fear and anxiety. Despite gradual improvement, Lilly still exhibits signs of wariness around dogs, especially in certain scenarios where sudden movements or noises trigger distress.
Due to the lack of available support and counselling services within the NHS, Lilly did not receive the psychological assistance she needed to cope with the aftermath of the attack. Her father, Alex, has been vocal about the need for better support and compensation for victims of dog attacks. He highlighted the financial barriers faced in seeking compensation for Lilly’s ongoing needs, such as potential future surgeries to address her scars or counselling services. Lack of pet insurance for the dog responsible added another layer of complexity to the situation, limiting avenues for financial recourse.
In response to the challenges his family has faced, Alex is advocating for a change in the law to mandate third-party insurance for all dog owners. He believes this could ensure that victims of dog attacks are adequately compensated and supported in their recovery. To raise awareness about the issue and garner financial support for Lilly’s potential future treatments, a GoFundMe campaign has been set up by Alex. The funds raised will provide Lilly with options for additional surgeries or therapy to help her navigate the emotional aftermath of the attack.
Despite the hurdles Lilly has encountered, she has found solace and strength through her passion for football. Engaging in the sport has been a source of empowerment and camaraderie for Lilly, allowing her to focus on her skills and talents rather than her scars. Her participation in school and local club football teams has not only boosted her confidence but also provided a supportive environment where she feels valued and accepted for her abilities. Recently, Lilly had the opportunity to meet the Wales women’s football team, further affirming her resilience and determination to overcome the challenges posed by the dog attack.