A 4th of July dog attack ended in tragedy for a 6-year-old Florida boy, reportedly attacked in his own home unexpectedly.
Deputies with the North Port Police Department arrived at a North Point home at around 10:30 a.m. Tuesday and discovered a 3-year-old Pit Bull mix in the home, who according to the owners, had never had aggression problems before.
The victim, who had significant chest injuries, was airlifted to the Sarasota Memorial Hospital, then transferred to Tampa General. He succumbed to his injuries the following day.
North Point police PIO Josh Taylor told WINK News that the dog was in a bedroom, when “the child walked into the bedroom to get something” and was attacked.
“From every bit of information we have so far is there’s no history of the dog acting out, which would indicate that something could possibly happen,” Taylor added. “The animal lived in the home from basically a puppy, a couple of weeks old, between 2 and 8 weeks, if I’m not mistaken, and you know, was a family pet.”
Experts have suggested that the dog’s behavior was likely driven by fear due to the holiday fireworks.
“When dogs are in distress, when they’re adrenalized, that’s never a good combination,” Patrick Logue, a master dog trainer at Bark Busters Home Dog Training, said.
“Then you add kids into the mix. Kids bring their own stress, as any parent will tell you, and their own sense of chaos, and it is just a bad situation, especially when kids are unsupervised with dogs.”
Michael Groleau with the Suncoast Humane Society added that the “the dog’s going to use its mouth” when in fear since there is no way to speak out or “show you what’s wrong.”
NPPD said, however, that they cannot say for sure if the attack happened due to the pup being spooked by the fireworks. The dog is currently in custody with Sarasota Animal Services.
“Our hearts are broken for this young child and his family,” North Port Police Chief Todd Garrison said, according to USA Today. “As a father and pet owner, I know this is one of the worst tragedies you can imagine.”
Check back for updates.
For the latest true crime and justice news, subscribe to the ‘Crime Stories with Nancy Grace’ podcast.
[Feature Photo: Pixabay]
Editor’s Note: The story has been updated to reflect the child was six years old.
