A teenage girl who was left fighting for life after a horrific dog attack in the NSW Hunter Region has died.
Seventeen-year-old Annalyse Blyton suffered catastrophic injuries to her head, neck and body after being mauled by a friend’s 10-year-old dog on Thursday, September 4 2025.
The animal was described as a large mixed breed, part boxer, bull Arab and Irish wolfhound.
It is thought Annalyse had been studying at her friend’s home that morning when the dog suddenly turned on her.
Neighbours and passers-by rushed to help, bravely intervening to pull the animal away.
As her daughter clung to life in hospital, Annalyse’s mother, Lauren Dening, paid tribute to those who tried to save her.
“Fight with everything you have my baby girl, don’t let this defeat you, you are the most caring, beautiful girl and you have so much love and support to get you through this terrible time,” she wrote online.
“The amazing first responders and all the doctors who saved my daughter’s life are amazing and without them I wouldn’t have my baby girl. Such a scary time for us all.”
Emergency services were called to the Broughton Street property about 11.30am on September 4.
Annalyse was treated at the scene before being airlifted to John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition. She died four days later, on Monday, September 8.
Police confirmed the dog was inside a fenced yard at the time of the attack.
With the owner’s consent, officers later shot the animal dead.
An investigation is underway, and a report will be prepared for the coroner.Acting Superintendent Justin Cornes said first responders were met with a “confronting” scene, and praised their heroic efforts.
“Running into a scene where they didn’t know the full circumstances and to jump in there and remove the dog, it’s an incredible act.”
