By Clementine Cuneo

Jan 30, news.com.au

THIS little boy's face was horribly scarred by the family dog - but his mother yesterday vowed to keep the pet, blaming the attack on her son.

Two-year-old Noah Newbold is lucky to have the sight in his left eye after being mauled by his family's 50kg mastiff-staffordshire cross.

Deep cuts and scratches cover the left side of his face.

But yesterday the toddler's mother, Alicia Cottier, said she was keeping the dog despite the attack because it had been provoked by her son pulling the dog's ears.

"People are telling me I should shoot the dog, and as much as I love my son to death, I believe Noah was annoying her. I love the dog and she's part of the family," Ms Cottier said.

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photo: No hard feelings ... Noah says he still loves his dog Cassey / Liam Driver