The mum, who we have not named to protect her son’s identity, was prosecuted as a result of the bite and has now been banned from owning dogs for 10 years.
Prosecutor Shelina Khudurun explained that the attack took place at their home in December.
The mum was tidying the house when she heard her son scream, Ms Khudurun said.
She ran to the living room where she discovered that the French Bulldog she was looking after for a friend had jumped on the sofa and bit her son’s face.
Her son later explained that the bite had taken place when he had tried to kiss the dog.
The child was rushed to hospital where he required stitches for a large cut.
On Thursday (March 6) the mum appeared at Willesden Magistrates’ Court where she pleaded guilty to being in charge of a dog which was dangerously out of control causing injury.
She explained to the court: “My kids asked for a dog. I don’t work so we couldn’t afford a dog and I just wanted my kids to be happy. I’d bend over backwards to make them happy.
“I didn’t know much about dogs but my friend asked if I could watch her dog for a while. I said yes and my kids were so excited.”
However, the excitement soon gave way to horror when the dog bit her son.
“It happened so quickly,” she said.
“If there was a concern I would have got rid of the dog immediately as my children’s safety comes first, but it never showed any signs of aggression.”
District Judge Matt Jabbitt fined the mum £250 and order her to pay over £500 in kennel fees.
The dog has since been put down, the court.
District Judge Jabbitt also banned the mum from keeping dogs until 2035.
