A Noongar boy is lucky not to have lost an eye following an incident with police, his family says.
13-year-old Jayden Abraham underwent surgery at Perth Children's Hospital on Sunday night after being mauled by a police dog, causing significant injuries to his face and arm.
The family allege the boy was handcuffed when the attack took place, and that he also sustained a broken nose caused by a subsequent attack from police. WA Police have denied both claims.
"My nephew didn't deserve to go through something like that, he's only 13 years old," said Shara Abraham, the boy's Aunty.
Speaking to NITV News, Ms Abraham said the incident has further damaged community perceptions of law enforcement in the area.
"You're meant to be protecting young people on the street," she said.
"You're not only affecting the family, you're affecting the whole community."
The family say tendons in the boy's arm were damaged, and that he was lucky not to lose an eye.
Four arrested, three released from custody
In a statement police said the boy, two other juveniles and a 21-year-old man were arrested in the suburb of Bentley near midnight on Sunday, following reports of disturbances in the area.
The man has been charged with multiple offences, including theft. All three boys were released from custody "pending further inquiries".
The family denied the boy's involvement in the disturbances, or that he would resist any police intervention.
"That's not how we know our nephew. That's why it hurts us... because that's our baby." said Ms Abraham.
"He's happy. He loves his footy, loves going out enjoying himself. He has a lot going for himself."
Calls for release of body-cam footage
Fronting media, WA Police Assistant Commissioner Kylie Whiteley said the incident is under investigation.
"We review the deployment of the dog, the use of force, and the actual outcome of that incident," said Assistant Commissioner of the WA Police Force, Kylie Whiteley.
While she maintained that the deployment of the dog was "appropriate", representatives for the family have called for a release of the body-worn camera footage.
"Enough is enough. We want answers," said Mervyn Eades, CEO of Ngalla Maya Aboriginal Corporation
"We want to see the footage. If they did no wrong as they say, the footage will show that."
Ms Whiteley said the footage would be released once their own investigations into the incident were completed.
Ms Abraham said the attack has left the community frightened, with their younger members afraid to go out.
"You don't know who you can trust, other than your own family."
