3 month old baby killed by dog

archfi · 07-06-2021 11:13am #1

https://www.rte.ie/news/2021/0607/1226428-waterford-baby-death/

RIP to the infant and I would not be able to imagine what the parents and family of the baby will be going through right now.

<snip>
I have no idea of the circumstances of this tragic death.

I don't believe that dogs can ever be trusted 100% especially around babies and children and that is not to say I hate dogs, I do not.

Ten of Swords wrote: »

Mod

A reminder to all posters to be respectful and use some common sense. This is a horrible tragic event and those closest to it could potentially read some of these comments.

There will be zero tolerance on baseless speculation

The Mighty Quinn · 07-06-2021 11:16am

Saw that story l earlier alright and it gave me a chill.

I've a 15 month old, a 1 month old and two medium sized dogs.

We try to be careful with them, but this sad story really underlines it for me.

So sad. I don't know how you'd cope with that.

TefalBrain · 07-06-2021 11:23am

Tragic, R.I.P to the child.

Comments about the general lack of responsibility from as the OP puts it the majority of dog owners are inaccurate and unhelpful.

archfi · 07-06-2021 11:27am

TefalBrain wrote: »

Tragic, R.I.P to the child.

Comments about the general lack of responsibility from as the OP puts it the majority of dog owners are inaccurate and unhelpful.

Yeah, I'll strike out the 'majority' bit in my post as you're right, I simply couldn't know that (even though I put IMO there)

Darc19 · 07-06-2021 11:30am

Very sad but no reason for knee jerk reactions.

The number of children killed by dogs is miniscule, and whilst one is one too many, you could argue against cars being on the road as a lot more are killed in road accidents.

I think we have 3 cases in the last ten years, but because it attracts a lot of media attention, it can seem to be a lot more.

So let's stop scaremongering or in the case of one poster jumping to conclusions on a party. ( Utterly ridiculous)

This is a very sad time for the extended family.

lawred2 · 07-06-2021 11:31am

With some breeds 100% supervision would still be pointless. They could do enough damage in the moments it would take to react to easily kill a child. Nevermind a three month old.

Think people are crazy personally to mix dogs with children but my thoughts are irrelevant really.

RIP

walshb · 07-06-2021 11:32am

lawred2 wrote: »

With some breeds 100% supervision would still be a pointless. They could do enough damage in the moments it would take to react to easily kill a child. Nevermind a three month old.

Think people are crazy personally to mix dogs with children but my thoughts are irrelevant really.

RIP

Yes. Even with supervision, the bigger and more powerful the dog, it can do so much damage so quickly, and to stop it would take real effort..

suicide_circus · 07-06-2021 11:49am

Poor little mite, may she rest in peace.

07-06-2021 11:52am

Do we really need a thread for this when the poor little child isn't even gone 12 hours..

07-06-2021 11:55am

Jacksie66. wrote: »

Do we really need a thread for this when the poor little child isn't even gone 12 hours..

It wouldn't be a current affair if the thread was created later.

Flippyfloppy · 07-06-2021 11:56am

Jacksie66. wrote: »

Do we really need a thread for this when the poor little child isn't even gone 12 hours..

Agreed. We all know it will descend into bickering about dangerous dogs shortly.

Rip little one.

MintyMagnum · 07-06-2021 12:18pm

Sadly it reminds me of the case of a week old baby killed by the family jack Russell a few years back in the U.K. Unfortunately the size of dog doesn't really matter. R.I.P. Both babies.

Iscreamkone · 07-06-2021 12:23pm

In my opinion the dog owner is responsible for the dogs actions. If the dog kills then that is manslaughter every time.

Stihl waters · 07-06-2021 12:24pm

RIP kid, you got no chance at living at all

Ten of Swords · 07-06-2021 12:26pm

A reminder to all posters to be respectful and use some common sense. This is a horrible tragic event and those closest to it could potentially read some of these comments.

walshb wrote: »

I hope to god this wasn’t some party buzz

Shouldnt have to say this but there will be zero tolerance on baseless speculation

Jacksie66. wrote: »

Do we really need a thread for this when the poor little child isn't even gone 12 hours..

Its in the news, it's going to be discussed. If you dont wish to participate then best to give the thread a miss

Flippyfloppy wrote: »

We all know it will descend into bickering about dangerous dogs shortly

No, it won't

NIMAN · 07-06-2021 12:31pm

Hard to hear news like this.
Poor child. Terrible way to die.

Family must be in total shock. Hope they find the strength to deal with this.

spakman · 07-06-2021 12:36pm

Iscreamkone wrote: »

In my opinion the dog owner is responsible for the dogs actions. If the dog kills then that is manslaughter every time.

If the dog kills it's owner, is it suicide?

Iscreamkone · 07-06-2021 12:52pm

spakman wrote: »

If the dog kills it's owner, is it suicide?

Probably not. Just stupidity.

TheValeyard · 07-06-2021 12:54pm

RIP to the little angel.

Horrific news.

BabysCoffee · 07-06-2021 12:56pm

Very tragic. RIP little one

grassylawn · 07-06-2021 12:57pm

I wonder what breed it was. It doesn't seem to be mentioned in any reports yet.

Dempo1 · 07-06-2021 12:58pm

archfi wrote: »

https://www.rte.ie/news/2021/0607/1226428-waterford-baby-death/

RIP to the infant and I would not be able to imagine what the parents and family of the baby will be going through right now.

No doubt, this will reignite the general debate about having dogs and children in close proximity and the general lack of responsibility some dog owners have - ie, no training of dogs and indeed kids in how to behave around dogs.
I have no idea of the circumstances of this tragic death.

I don't believe that dogs can ever be trusted 100% especially around babies and children and that is not to say I hate dogs, I do not.

Just an awful Tragedy, words escape me. RIP and condolences to the family involved.

Locotastic · 07-06-2021 1:02pm

grassylawn wrote: »

I wonder what breed it was. It doesn't seem to be mentioned in any reports yet.

Doesn't really matter, any breed of dog could seriously injure a sleeping little baby even without intending to.

Immortal Starlight · 07-06-2021 1:48pm

This little baby girls death is such a horrible awful event to hear about. I’m so sorry for the baby and family. I’ve never been easy with the idea of dogs and babies being in close proximity. There’s just no way of knowing if anything will go wrong.

Ms. Newbie18 · 07-06-2021 1:52pm

RIP little angle. Heart broken reading that story.

Muahahaha · 07-06-2021 1:58pm

Deleted User wrote: »

You’re certainly right to always supervise the dog around infants - if you look at the list of fatal dog attacks in the UK, for instance, a number relate to very small infants.
I know a lot of factors come into play but it’s not worth taking any risks.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_fatal_dog_attacks_in_the_United_Kingdom

That link is chilling reading even though death from dog attacks are pretty rare. This case stood out as the neighbour reported the dog, police seized it but then returned it and it then went on to kill him a week later

Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, England – Victim and his smaller pet dog were attacked when his neighbour's five-year-old dog got out of its pen. Two months prior, victim reported the dog to the council, fearing it was a pit bull terrier and might attack. Police seized the dog but returned it to its owner a week before the fatal attack after deciding it was not a banned breed per Section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. Victim suffered a sustained attacked and the dog was still mauling him when police arrived. The dog's owner was jailed for 10 years after he was convicted of owning a dog dangerously out of control causing injury resulting in death. He had failed to comply with an order to muzzle and restrain the dog, which had a history of attacking neighbours

There is also two recent cases there of dog owners having epileptic seizures and their dog attacking them during it. In one case the dog, a staffy bull terrier, was later found to have cocaine and morphine in its system.

A common thread through a good few cases is the dog had bitten humans or attacked other dogs/cats before going on to kill someone. Owners seemed oblivious to the warning signs.

kildare lad · 07-06-2021 1:59pm

Such a tragic case , you just can't be to careful around animals . A friend of mine had a rottweiler, when the baby came along everytime the rottweiler was around the baby it's hair used to stand up on its back . So he had to get rid of the dog , you just can't take the risk . You see idiots on YouTube filming there babies pulling out dogs thinking it's hilarious or cute. Some people need their heads examined.

xhomelezz · 07-06-2021 2:02pm

Very sad story, can't imagine what are parents of the baby coming through right now.

Always had a dog in my life, love them and if they are raised right and with love, they give it back and become part of the family.

This is very old pic of my doggie and my older son, never had to be afraid to leave them two alone.

Sleeper12 · 07-06-2021 2:06pm

R.I.P must be a terrible time for the family

KaneToad · 07-06-2021 2:07pm

I don't know anything about this current case.

I frequently see Tiktok videos of people 'introducing' their babies to the dog. Followed by montages of both curled up together asleep, rolling on the floor playing etc..

Without any hint of hyperbole, I think there is a role for social services to investigate in these instances. There is no safe dog when it comes to helpless infants. The guardians of the children are doing then a great disservice.

KaneToad · 07-06-2021 2:08pm

xhomelezz wrote: »

Very sad story, can't imagine what are parents of the baby coming through right now.

Always had a dog in my life, love them and if they are raised right and with love, they give it back and become part of the family.

This is very old pic of my doggie and my older son, never had to be afraid to leave them two alone.

More fool you...

nolivesmatter · 07-06-2021 2:11pm

KaneToad wrote: »

I don't know anything about this current case.

I frequently see Tiktok videos of people 'introducing' their babies to the dog. Followed by montages of both curled up together asleep, rolling on the floor playing etc..

Without any hint of hyperbole, I think there is a role for social services to investigate in these instances. There is no safe dog when it comes to helpless infants. The guardians of the children are doing then a great disservice.

Nobody does.

Poor child, poor parents. Nothing else to say..

crooked cockney villain · 07-06-2021 2:16pm

Much like an assault rifle in America, there is no reason a regular Joe needs to be allowed own certain dog breeds.

xhomelezz · 07-06-2021 2:23pm

KaneToad wrote: »

More fool you...

If it was a different thread, I would probably come up with some smart answer. Child was killed by the dog, circumstances unknown. Very sad story as I said.

Sandor Clegane · 07-06-2021 2:24pm

xhomelezz wrote: »

Very sad story, can't imagine what are parents of the baby coming through right now.

Always had a dog in my life, love them and if they are raised right and with love, they give it back and become part of the family.

This is very old pic of my doggie and my older son, never had to be afraid to leave them two alone.

Not always the case, you can not guarantee the behavior of any animal with its own mind, be it domestic or not.

I've had dogs all my life too and I wouldn't let any dog no matter what the temperament alone with a child.

Normal One · 07-06-2021 2:28pm

xhomelezz wrote: »

Always had a dog in my life, love them and if they are raised right and with love, they give it back and become part of the family.

This is the key part that most people won’t understand, unfortunately. There are way too many dogs in unsuitable situations which can have tragic consequences.

iamwhoiam · 07-06-2021 2:30pm

Sandor Clegane wrote: »

Not always the case, you can not guarantee the behavior of any animal with its own mind, be it domestic or not.

I've had dogs all my life too and I wouldn't let any dog no matter what the temperament alone with a child.

We dont the even let our cat in a room with a baby . No animal should be trusted with a very young child

07-06-2021 2:31pm

Dogs are lovely, but they are animals. Don't leave infant children unattended with them.

xhomelezz · 07-06-2021 2:34pm

Sandor Clegane wrote: »

Not always the case, you can not guarantee the behavior of any animal with its own mind, be it domestic or not.

I've had dogs all my life too and I wouldn't let any dog no matter what the temperament alone with a child.

I think if you have a dog since he was 5 months old, know the dog for most of his life, you can guarantee the behaviour no problem. And it's not like I left him babysitting my son for couple of hours. There was of course always someone around, but there was no need to be watching them every minute, if you know what I mean.

Locotastic · 07-06-2021 2:35pm

xhomelezz wrote: »

Very sad story, can't imagine what are parents of the baby coming through right now.

Always had a dog in my life, love them and if they are raised right and with love, they give it back and become part of the family.

This is very old pic of my doggie and my older son, never had to be afraid to leave them two alone.

I love our dog, they are part of the family.

However there's a social hierarchy with dogs and while they will usually recognise a 'leader' in the family they might well view younger family members as down the pecking order or even on a par with themselves.

At the end of the day they are instinctive animals, there is no predicting how a dog will react to certain situations. If they are scared, tired, not feeling well, startled etc then they can behave differently.

07-06-2021 2:35pm

crooked cockney villain wrote: »

Much like an assault rifle in America, there is no reason a regular Joe needs to be allowed own certain dog breeds.

Jesus that's an amazingly bad take/comparison.

Buddy Bubs · 07-06-2021 2:37pm

Dog lover myself and I'm looking at the list of breeds that have been involved in attacks and it's overwhelmingly weighted towards a select group...not sure what breed was involved in this case but I'd be fairly sure it's not a labrador, cocker Spaniel or a poodle. The types of dogs some people keep is baffling.

07-06-2021 2:38pm

xhomelezz wrote: »

I think if you have a dog since he was 5 months old, know the dog for most of his life, you can guarantee the behaviour no problem. And it's not like I left him babysitting my son for couple of hours. There was of course always someone around, but there was no need to be watching them every minute, if you know what I mean.

It's about reading a dog's body language. I've been around dogs most of my life, I know when a dog is being playful, or aggressive, or is stressed, etc.

Infant children can NOT read this body language. As such, they might approach a dog when the dog is stressed or wants to be left alone, and the dog might lash out as any dog is capable of.

It is important to understand this. It applies to all human-dog interaction.

Jequ0n · 07-06-2021 2:38pm

iamwhoiam wrote: »

We dont the even let our cat in a room with a baby . No animal should be trusted with a very young child

Tbh people are worse and more volatile

iamwhoiam · 07-06-2021 2:39pm

Jequ0n wrote: »

Tbh people are worse and more volatile

Not in my life thankfully .

Sandor Clegane · 07-06-2021 2:39pm

iamwhoiam wrote: »

We dont the even let our cat in a room with a baby . No animal should be trusted with a very young child

I'm an animal lover, I grew up with dogs and cats and everything in between.

Thing is with small children they don't no enough to no that it's a live animal with it's own individual personality and feelings, they just see it as a teddy bear or toy, the most well behaved dog could easily get annoyed if a child hurt it or annoyed it too much and it could react badly.

I'm all for kids getting involved with animals but it needs to be monitored and supervised until they come of age.

07-06-2021 2:41pm

Jequ0n wrote: »

Tbh people are worse and more volatile

Ah ffs. Get a grip. Ridiculous.

iamwhoiam · 07-06-2021 2:41pm

Sandor Clegane wrote: »

I'm an animal lover, I grew up with dogs and cats and everything in between.

Thing is with small children they don't no enough to no that it's a live animal with it's own individual personality and feelings, they just see it as a teddy bear or toy, the most well behaved dog could easily get annoyed if a child hurt it or annoyed it too much and it could react badly.

I'm all for kids getting involved with animals but it needs to be monitored and supervised until they come of age.

Exactly . I have an 18 month old grandchild who would go straight for the cats tail and pull it . They are never left together in a room and I protect the child and the cat by keeping them apart

twowheelsonly · 07-06-2021 2:56pm

Buddy Bubs wrote: »

Dog lover myself and I'm looking at the list of breeds that have been involved in attacks and it's overwhelmingly weighted towards a select group...not sure what breed was involved in this case but I'd be fairly sure it's not a labrador, cocker Spaniel or a poodle. The types of dogs some people keep is baffling.

Labradors have a very high biting rate in almost every survey I've ever read. It's partly because of the sheer numbers of them (in comparison to say Pit Bulls) but regardless they still have a high rate.

RIP to that poor child. I won't be casting any judgements on either the parents or the dog while the facts are still unknown.

Buddy Bubs · 07-06-2021 3:13pm

twowheelsonly wrote: »

Labradors have a very high biting rate in almost every survey I've ever read. It's partly because of the sheer numbers of them (in comparison to say Pit Bulls) but regardless they still have a high rate.

RIP to that poor child. I won't be casting any judgements on either the parents or the dog while the facts are still unknown.

As ever, details important. Huge number of labrador bites are reported as its postmen making claims against home owners. And a lot of bites are through letterbox. They're not attacking babies in cribs. Personal injury claims, not maulings. Anyway, RIP poor kid.

BorneTobyWilde · 07-06-2021 3:14pm

Some people actively will allow their newborn to sleep with giant pitbulls.