A five-week-old baby boy has been mauled to death by the family’s pet dog. The American Staffordshire terrier attacked the baby in their Kariong home just after 2am this morning.
The distraught mother phoned 000 to alert Police and Ambulance that the dog had started mauling the newborn baby throughout the middle of the night. Police who arrived at the home first performed CPR on the baby boy until paramedics arrived. They also unsuccessfully attempted to revive the baby boy, who sadly died at the scene.
NSW Police established a crime scene at the house, although it was determined that there were no suspicious circumstances.
The baby’s parents were home at the time and were treated for shock and distress. Our hearts go out to them!
Not the first attack
It has since come to light that this dog had also attacked a neighbour’s dog weeks earlier, NSW Police have revealed. District Commander Detective Superintendent Darryl Jobson, of Gosford-based Brisbane Water Police, said “A neighbouring dog apparently got into the rear yard and was mauled by this dog, unfortunately.”
He continued that the incident was “a matter of tragic proportions” and “that was a separate incident but that will also form part of our investigation.”
Tragic for first responders
“Our police did perform first-aid upon arrival. They did their best in the circumstances and they are no doubt shaken by the incident,” he said.
“Anything to do with children of any type, particularly of this nature, is absolutely traumatic.”
The American Staffy, which was registered, was seized by the council and is expected to be euthanised in the coming days.
Police are preparing a report for the coroner.
Important Reading: Expert Tips: Introducing Your Pets to your Newborn. Sending our love to these parents, we are sure they are going through enough right now. Rest in peace little one.
