An investigation is underway after a student was attacked by a support dog at a school in the NSW south coast.
The six-year-old boy suffered cuts to his face after the support dog bit him while giving him a cuddle at Sanctuary Point Public School in Shoalhaven on August 22.
SafeWork NSW has confirmed the incident is being investigated, while the labradoodle named Buddy has been permanently removed from the school.
It is understood the dog made regular visits to the school since 2019 to provide comfort and emotional support to students.
A spokesperson from the Department of Education said the safety of students is the highest priority.
“In addition to undertaking our own review, the department is working with the school, SafeWork NSW and the local council in relation to this matter,” the spokesperson said.
“Counselling and support have been offered to the student and his family and is available to any others who may have witnessed the incident.”
SafeWork confirmed it was working with the department but no further comment could be made.
The boy’s mother, Kellie Kuczynski, told the ABC she was “devastated” when she received a call from the school saying her child had been injured.
She said the dog was on a lead being held by the principal when her son went to “cuddle” the dog.
“He put his arms up around the dog’s neck to cuddle it, and it just mauled him,” Ms Kuczynski said.
The matter remains under investigation.
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