See what this dog did to its owner: California toddler has his ear torn off in vicious attack by family dog, before neighbours beat it off with baseball bats

A two-year-old California boy had one ear ripped off in a vicious unprovoked attack by his family's pit bull.

Daniel Sanchez, who his family said will turn two later this month, was rushed to Loma Linda University Medical Center after the attack at about 7.45am on Wednesday, the Riverside County Department of Animal Services said.

'The family dog - apparently unprovoked - attacked the little boy and he suffered a really severe injury,' said department spokesman John Welsh, 'His left ear was essentially torn off.'

Daniel was supposed to be taking a nap but apparently wandered into the backyard of teh home on Pontiac Avenue, in the Jurupa Valley area of Los Angeles.

Grandmother Alejandra Martinez said was alerted to the attack when she heard Daniel screaming from the yard, KTLA5 reported.

Neighbours rushed to help and were 'still wielding baseball bats' when first responders arrived, animal services said in a statement.

The dog, a two-year-old male named Poncho, was surrendered to authorities and was put down.

How will the boy get another ear now?