The story has again focused attention on the restrictions of dangerous dog breeds.

A toddler at the same house remains seriously injured after neighbours prised the animals off the children.

Griffith Police in Whitton are not yet releasing what breed of dog was involved but have announced that the three-year-old died at the scene while her 16-month-old sister suffered bites to her face and body.

At 11am this morning, Inspector Tony Reneker said, "It appears that at least two young children have been attacked by dogs in a family home," he said.

"Unfortunately, one of the children is deceased whilst the other child has been seriously injured and is being treated at Leeton Hospital." The woman thought to be babysitting the children was also taken to hospital.

Local butcher Graeme Kelly told a radio station the injured woman had tried to stop the attack.

"Apparently she was trying to stop them and two neighbours heard the ruckus and they rushed in there and they got them off the two little ones," Mr Kelly said.

He said the death had devastated the small rural community, which has a population of 350.

"Everyone is in a state of shock at the moment, it's terrible," he said.

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Worst breeds

The RSPCA says the breed of dog should not be the focus of attention but instead the close supervision of all dogs and children.

Laws differ by state but generally speaking, certain breeds must be desexed and carefully contained at home but laws enforcing muzzling and leashing vary widely. In the UK dangerous dog breeds must also be registered and insured, tattooed and receive microchip implants.

As an example, the 'Restricted Dogs' in NSW are as follows:
(a) American pitbull terrier or Pitbull terrier;
(b) Japanese tosa;
(c) Dogo Argentino (Argentinean fighting dog);
(d) Fila Brasiliero (Brazilian fighting dog);

Queensland listed the same breeds for tighter restrictions in 2001 legislation and Victoria followed suit in 2005.

In NSW, fines for beaching the local government codes start at $1320 and reach $55,000.

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RSPCA tips for preventing further dog attacks

• Have adequate supervision
  For example, dogs should never outnumber children.
• Be pro-active not reactive
  Make sure the dogs are never left alone with kids, any dog has the potential to bite, because kids will be kids and dogs will be dogs.
• Set children and dogs up for success
  Educate both children and the dog about how to handle the other.
• Seek professional training
  Education in the form of professional dog training also involves teaching the owner rather than the dog.

Dog attacks by the numbers

• Research shows 0-4 age bracket greatest risk of hospitalisation from dog attacks
• 80% of attacks happen in family home or at the home of a family friend
• Kids are more likely to bitten by their own dog or one that's known to them

In a RSPCA test case, a highly trained golden retriever still bit a three year old after the toddler put a stick up its nose and the dog reacted.

The point to learn is that if there was adequate supervision, this could have been avoided and even the most placid of breeds can bite.

More info

RSPCA links in your state