The animals jumped over a two-metre high fence into the yard of Emma Murphy and her oupa, Aubrey Murphy, 56, in
Garlandale Crescent, Athlone, on Tuesday afternoon.
Aubrey heard a commotion in the yard and went to investigate.
Emma followed him and the two were mauled by the dogs.
Emma’s twin sister, Kate, was not harmed in the incident.
Emma and Aubrey were saved by neighbours who heard the child’s cries for help.
The Cape of Good Hope SPCA, who removed the animals, said the fate of the dogs was still being decided.
The Daily Voice attempted to speak to the dog owners again, but no one was home.
Emma’s maternal grandfather, Cliff Augustyn, yesterday shed some light on what took place during the attack after visiting Aubrey at Vincent Pallotti Hospital on Wednesday night.
Emma, who underwent a six-hour operation after her scalp was ripped off, is also in the intensive care unit at Red Cross hospital.
“The grandfather is still swollen and skin grafting will have to be done. Emma is doing well and she will need more reconstructive surgery.
“The grandfather offered his life for his grandchild,” says Cliff.
“I spoke to him as he is able to speak and sit up. He tried to fight the dogs off with a brick.”
Meanwhile, Cliff says the family is unable to confirm at this stage if they will be opening any cases: “This is the furthest from our minds right now.”