A heartbreaking incident occurred on the NSW Central Coast in July 2021, when a five-week-old baby was taken from his sleeping mother’s arms and fatally attacked by the family’s dog.
The inquest into the baby’s death has raised concerns about the effectiveness of current regulations and the risk of dog attacks on children.
What Happened?
The baby’s mother was holding him in a rocking chair when she dozed off. When she woke up, she realized the baby was no longer in her arms and found him on the floor with multiple puncture wounds.
The family’s six-year-old American Staffordshire Terrier was responsible for the attack and was later euthanised.
The father reported hearing his partner cry out, “The dog’s got the baby,” and rushing to the scene to find the devastating aftermath.
Inquest Findings
Deputy State Coroner Carmel Forbes concluded that the baby’s death was caused by injuries sustained during the attack by the family pet.
She expressed concern about the number of dog attacks on children in NSW over the past 15 years, highlighting that infants and children are at greater risk due to their size, vulnerability, and behavior around dogs.
Forbes noted that the current regulatory regime for companion animals is “not effective at minimizing the risk of serious or fatal dog attacks.”
Calls for Stricter Regulations
Forbes made several recommendations, including requiring pet owners to hold a license and receive training before obtaining a dog.
She also suggested assessing whether further conditions should be imposed on people who want to own dog breeds like pit bulls or American Staffordshire Terriers, which have been involved in several vicious attacks.
Veterinarian and ethologist Paul McGreevy emphasized that these breeds are similar in temperament and propensity for aggression, making them a higher risk for attacks.
Prevention and Awareness
The inquest highlighted the importance of understanding the risks associated with certain dog breeds and taking steps to prevent attacks.
McGreevy noted that toddlers are particularly at risk if they crawl around the house, and it’s essential for parents to be aware of the potential dangers.
The local council had previously issued a notice to assess the dog’s breed, but the process was ongoing when the baby was killed, raising questions about the effectiveness of current regulations.
A Call to Action
The Office of Local Government is conducting a review of the Companion Animals Act and has pledged to consider the issues raised in the inquest.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for stricter regulations and increased awareness about dog safety.
As Forbes suggested, it’s essential to examine the efficacy of current penalties and consider introducing a standalone offense for dog attacks resulting in serious injury or death.