Putting a dog on death row inevitably arouses strong emotions as the case of Bruce, the Sussex Police German shepherd, proved earlier this year.

Now a family in Telscombe is being split asunder over the future of a dog which attacked a young girl.

The dog called Florian, owned by the girl's grandfather, has gone for her three times at his home in Rottingdean.

On the last occasion, the attack was so severe it left her with serious facial injuries, which will result in scarring.

This was not an isolated attack and it is scarcely surprising the child's mother has until yesterday wanted the animal to be put down.

If the dog is allowed to survive, it should never be let near young children again.