Seven-year-old mauled to death by family dog at home in UK

A seven-month-old girl died after being bitten by her family's pet dog at their home in Coventry, England on Sunday. The dog was reportedly humanely destroyed. 

As per local reports, the police said that she was rushed to hospital by ambulance from the scene in Shorncliffe Road, but died a short time later. 

The police haven't released details about the dog's breed, but reports have mentioned that the dog wasn't classed as a dangerous breed. 

According to the West Midlands Police, “A baby has tragically died after being bitten by a pet dog at a home in Coventry.

“We were called to a property at Shorncliffe Road shortly after 3pm on Sunday. Together with our ambulance colleagues we arrived within minutes.

“A seven-month-old baby girl had received serious injuries to her head after being bitten by the family’s dog inside the home.

“She received treatment at the scene by paramedics before being rushed to hospital for further treatment. Tragically, she died a short time later.

“Our thoughts remain with her family at this devastating time. We are in the early stages of our investigation and our enquiries are continuing,” the police said. 

Such cases saw a rise across the nation, forcing the government to announce a ban on owning certain types of dogs. Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino and banned Fila Brasileiro. XL Bully dogs are banned in England and Wales. 

Figures from the Office for National Statistics revealed that a total of 16 people died as a result of dog attacks in the first nine months of 2023. 

(With inputs from agencies)