Another baby killed

Dickens well a lot can be prevented by nor buying a new dog when you have a toddler and treating an already established dog as a possible danger by always being on ‘duty’

Iam64

BlueBelle my children grew up with dogs, as did I. Never had any problems at all.
I worry about the number of puppies being sold on, they haven’t been socialised or trained.
People need better education about bringing animal, especially dogs, into their family life. There’s an epidemic of poorly socialised, badly/or not trained, dogs around. I love walking my two but confess they’re not getting the freedom they pre the increase in dogs around here
Rest in peace little girl. What a hideous way to lose your child or for that infant to be killed

I couldn't agree more. We have always had Labradors and our children grew up with them, just as my grandson is growing up with our dog and his parents' two smaller dogs. We lost our old beloved boy in June 2020 and we did look into rehoming a rescue dog, but none would even consider us as our grandson was living with us at the time. Far too many people get a dog without thinking about training, socialising etc - not to mention the fact that children need to be taught how to behave around animals too. It's very tragic when events like this happen - but I still maintain that there are no bad dogs, only bad owners.

we grew up with dogs and so did my children, all rescue dogs
nothing ever happened
I suppose that might be because rescue dogs are generally matched with owners properly, especially breed specific

I feel awful writing this as presumably when the family bought the dog they had no idea whatsoever this would happen and it it is an absolute tragedy

tickingbird

Apparently it was an adult dog and they’d only had it one week. I’ve known Staffordshire Bull Terriers and they’ve been lovely. I feel that there is such an increase in certain types having these big Bull Terrier type of dogs and they seem to encourage them to be aggressive. They aren’t treated as pets and given affection and care and they’re often passed on. It’s another terrible death of a child by a dog that’s new to the home and it’s back story probably not known. I’d never bring an adult dog into a home with children, only a puppy.

... and a Staffordshire or Pit Bull having had a previous owner... did the parents know anything about them or how they raised and 'trained' the dog?

I read the comments some time ago of a volunteer worker in animal rescue who said that these are the most common breed in shelters.

They are dogs that need to be well socialised and trained because they are energetic, powerful and muscular. They also have a reputation as great 'family' dogs because they like humans - including children.

So something's going wrong. My guess is, and I might get jumped on for saying this, they are attractive dogs to a certain type of male. They are highly trainable - therefore obedient - and powerful. But how are they trained, and to what end? And why do so many end up in animal shelters?

I've had lots of dogs and of various breeds and if these dogs have proved to be dangerous with babies, toddlers and children - they are put down as quickly and humanely as possible .
Each of my rogue dogs has been a rescue one and not one that I've raised from puppyhood.

They aren't rehomed in case another child is attacked in a lapsed moment .

I've seen children with mutilated faces ,though I don't know any that have been killed apart from seeing horrendous news items .
It is not worth the risk .

Apparently it was an adult dog and they’d only had it one week. I’ve known Staffordshire Bull Terriers and they’ve been lovely. I feel that there is such an increase in certain types having these big Bull Terrier type of dogs and they seem to encourage them to be aggressive. They aren’t treated as pets and given affection and care and they’re often passed on. It’s another terrible death of a child by a dog that’s new to the home and it’s back story probably not known. I’d never bring an adult dog into a home with children, only a puppy.

Very, very sad.
Can you imagine the bitterness in the household if one parent wanted the dog and the other didn’t?
I’m not saying that is the case but it might be.

It's terrible. There is a couple around here who walk about with two small children, one in a pushchair, and this enormous dog with huge jaws. I don't know what's the matter with people. I would never have a dog but if they must, why do they have to have such fierce ones?

latest news states that;
Locals claimed the animal was either a Staffordshire Bull Terrier or Pitbull Terrier

It happens all too frequently. And more often than not it seems to be a particular breed of dog - or its variations.

But we don't know anything about the dog's previous history, how it was trained and the police are trying to trace its former owner(s). Which, if it was chipped, shouldn't be too difficult.

And people have been commenting on other social media sites that they shouldn't have left the child alone with the dog - when we don't even know that they did. A dog can still attack a child even if its sitting with you, and inflict fatal wounds before you have time to pull it off.

But I am concerned that it is nearly always the same type of dog. I know people will say that their Staffie is a gentle creature and wouldn't harm a fly. But a Staffie, like all dogs, can be unpredictable. Like humans, they can have 'off' moments... feel unwell, irritated ( and can't communicate this to you), or just instinctively attack a small sentient being that it regards as another animal.

It's just tragic. Poor, poor child. What an awful end to such a short life. And I doubt this will be the last toddler that is killed or maimed. But I seriously don't know how it's to be prevented...

Poor little soul. What a horrible thing to happen.

Such very sad news. Poor soul. The family will never forgive themselves.

BlueBelle my children grew up with dogs, as did I. Never had any problems at all.
I worry about the number of puppies being sold on, they haven’t been socialised or trained.
People need better education about bringing animal, especially dogs, into their family life. There’s an epidemic of poorly socialised, badly/or not trained, dogs around. I love walking my two but confess they’re not getting the freedom they pre the increase in dogs around here
Rest in peace little girl. What a hideous way to lose your child or for that infant to be killed

Very, very sad. Without seeming judgemental, I think the men of the house, prefer to have large dogs…..it’s a macho thing.
Poor baby girl ?