“A six-week old South Dakota boy was mauled to death by his family’s dog, sheriff’s officials said.
The Sioux Falls Argus Leader reports that the Belgian Malinois attacked the baby Thursday afternoon at a home in Hartford, about 15 miles northwest of Sioux Falls.
The Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office in South Dakota said in a statement that first responders found the boy with several bite wounds. He was flown by helicopter to a hospital where he died of his injuries, the sheriff’s office said.
The Sioux Falls Area Humane Society took custody of the dog.
“It’s a very sad situation,” Sheriff’s Sgt. Zachary Cegelske told KELO-TV.
Sheriff’s investigators are working on determining what caused the dog to bite.”
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This is a somber reminder that even the most obedient pets may strike at any moment. While it’s unclear what caused this dog to attack the baby, pet owners should always be aware of the danger. Dog attacks happen so quickly that by the time help arrives it may be too late. Owners of large dogs need to be especially careful as even when being playful they may cause unintended harm.
If you’ve been the victim of a dog bite due to another’s negligence, call Krug & Zupke, P.C. at 651-645-7746 for a free consultation. You are entitled to compensation not only for the physical injuries inflicted but the emotional trauma as well. You may be reluctant to face family members or friends in court but the seriousness of such incidents often leaves no other alternative.
