The latest dog attack / baby death

[freelancegirl]

I don't even know why I'm posting but I've just seen some of the details in the press and feel so distressed by it. I'm almost hoping this thread goes unnoticed so I can hope to distract myself and not think about it. It's horrific though and I don't think I'll easily get it out of my mind.

[MothratheMighty]

It will keep happening whilst dogs and children are together without adequate supervision and training.
The maiming and deaths are horrific, unnecessary and avoidable.

[TheArticFunky]

I do not understand this. Tragic case.

[MothratheMighty]

I don't understand it either.
If I rehome a large, energetic dog from a reputable rescue, they do a home visit to make sure that I have the space, knowledge and time to manage the demands of the animal.
But I can have a newborn in a house with a dog, and no sort of risk assessment is made by anyone. There were two other young children in the home who were lucky not to have been involved.
That family will never recover, and the dog will be destroyed. No upside to any part of this dreadful event.

[nicename]

Was this the story from last week - that tiny girl mauled in her cot by a dog that the neighbours had reported because it scared everyone and had killed a cat?

[MothratheMighty]

No.
Sadly this is another baby, 6 days old and home after 3 days in the ICU.
Different breed of dog as well. But it won't be the last case this year.

[ChaosTrulyReigns]

Nope there is another one today, nicename.

A six day old baby, in South Wales.

Another avoidable tragedy.

My thoughts are with them.

[VoyageDeVerity]

Another one?

When are people going to learn?

[CatONineTails]

Its terrible, not that far from me so been on the local news

Apparently the father brought the dog home from a night in the pub a few months ago because it was being got rid of by previous owners.

Terrible tragedy, such powerful dogs need very careful training (I know all dogs do but enormous strong ones especially for obvious reasons) and despite loving dogs dearly I would never take on an adult rescue with children in the house.

[nicename]

For the love of god, it was a husky-alike dog. These dogs are highly strung and can be crazy. They need to be exercised lots - at least 3 hours a day. No way on this earth would I have one with a child unless I made sure it was properly looked after.

Stupid people and their stupid whims. Dogs Homes are full of these types of dogs because people get 'the pretty wolf dogs' without realising that these ones are particularly hard work to look after, and sadly, the vast majority of dog owners haven't s bloody clue how to look after a dog (not a small furry person with four legs) properly.

[WinterDrawsOff]

I wonder just how many babies will die before people will realise that dogs and young children shouldn't be left alone.

[minibmw2010]

I just don't understand why people seem to put dogs before the safety of their precious children ??? That's all I can assume is happening here and it's disgusting.

[GinSoakedMisery]

I heard this on the news driving home earlier, so very sad.

Thoughts are with the family.

[MomentForLife]

When will people learn? Such sad, disturbing news today.

[Burma]

It's so awful.

I read recently that it's feared that this particular breed will soon be filling the rescues like Staffies have done/are now.

Yes they need loads of exercise and not off lead as they will disappear over the horizon never to be seen again - I can't imagine that many people have the time or energy to take one of these dogs sledding every day which is what they really need.

It is so tragic but so bloody avoidable.

[MomentForLife]

I just don't get why people choose the dogs they choose. They are nice to look at but not what I would even consider a domesticated animal.

[Burma]

Me neither - they are stunning to look at, my favourite breed in fact, but I wouldn't get one in a million years because they are so hard to keep. It's not fair on the dog or god forbid a child like this.

[MomentForLife]

Maybe there should be a law that certain working breeds can't be kept as pets without license. Might protect the dogs and children.

[LEMmingaround]

All dogs should have a license.

[MothratheMighty]

Moment, all dogs have the potential to be a danger. Goes with the teeth.

[MomentForLife]

I know, had to have one put to sleep. I'm just saying dogs like this aren't even a pet.

[ArgyMargy]

Dogs are animals. End of.

[Ilikepinkwine]

So sad but this will continue to happen as long as people buy dogs like I would buy a handbag. They are pets not fashion accessories. I have a dog, he's great with kids, but I would still never leave him alone with a small child or baby.

[MomentForLife]

Yes but breeds have been bred for specific purposes. My dog has been bred to be a lap dog. I wouldn't let him around a baby unattanded because he is thick as shit and jumps up constantly for attention. He doesn't however require endless excercise to keep him sane and stimulated.

[MooseBeTimeForSnow]

Not unsurprisingly, here in Northern Canada, huskies and malamutes are really popular. But, they are exercised for hours every day, either with sleds or skidoos etc. Many are kept outside. They're not really regarded as indoor dogs. They are terrific escape artists.

They're also regular wolf fodder.

[curiousgeorgie]

This is so incredibly sad.. I can't imagine how you could ever even begin to forgive yourself.

A dog her husband got from the pub, mistreated in the past... Why leave it alone with a brand new baby

Horrific.