Avery Dunphy

6-year-old Who Wanted to ‘Be a Firefighter Like Dad’ is Mauled to Death After Wandering Into Dog Cage

Family and friends are remembering the short life of a 6-year-old New Mexico boy, who died from a dog attack when his grandfather stepped away for “no more than 10 minutes.”

Avery Jackson Dunphy, 6, passed away on November 22 after walking into an enclosed dog cage at his grandfather’s Lac Cruces property. Avery’s grandfather told police he stepped away shortly and returned to find the boy unresponsive.

“Those dogs are back here with him, so I’m thinking a dog attacked him,” Avery’s grandfather told a 911 dispatcher.

The victim was rushed to the hospital but didn’t survive.

According to police, the enclosed cage housed around six foster dogs on the property. It’s unclear which dog attacked the victim or how many dogs were involved, but police noted that the child had “cuts in his neck and chest.”

ABC 7 reports that all of the dogs were euthanized following the attack.

Avery’s father has asked for privacy at this time, but he did tell local reporters that his son’s life “life needs to be celebrated” and that the death was preventable. He added that Avery dreamed of growing up to be a firefighter.

Detectives are currently investigating the incident. The case is being treated as accidental and preliminary information suggests no foul play, according to police.

Check back for updates.

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[Feature Photo: Family Handout]