Dog kills infant

[skipdup]

NYC infant fatally bitten by family dog

NEW YORK (AP) -- An 8-month-old boy being cared for by his grandmother was bitten on the head by his family's dog on Thursday and killed, police said.

Police and Emergency Medical Services were called to the family's Brooklyn home shortly before 2 p.m. Andrew Stein, an only child, was rushed to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead about an hour later, police said.

No one had been charged in the boy's death as of Thursday evening. The Doberman pinscher was tranquilized and taken to an animal care center.

Police were investigating. They said it was too soon to determine what would happen to the dog.

Neighbors said the dog was docile and friendly and would allow them to pet it. They said they felt sorry for the boy's grandmother.

"I'm sure that the guilt must be overwhelming," neighbor Eugene Coco said. "Sometimes the guilt is more than the actual pain. ... For her to probably feel responsible, she's gonna need a lot of love."

A telephone message left at a number listed for a Paula Stein at the family's address was not immediately returned.

These Dobermain Pinschers need to be dealt with. They are attack dogs - bred for too long specifically for attacking humans. If I ever see a Doberman in my yard, I'm going to kill it. The safety of me and my family is just too important. What is it with the owners?

[dtw]

How could George Bush let this happen?

[nostatic]

stained blue dress!

[kstar]

Probably an atheist dog.

[KFC911]

Who in their right mind would leave an 8 month old baby alone with ANY large dog (or even a small dog for that matter)? I've had an "alpha male" Doberman, and like other breeds, it's all about the owner and the individual animal's personality traits. Totally preventable imo...

[Rikao4]

Skippy is pulling the chain.
while sad,and most likely preventable, it was not a mauling by a out of control dog.
Glad it wasn't a Pit or Rottie, let the Pincher take some heat.
Rika

[the]

I thought for sure it was going to be a Chihuaha when I opened this thread.

Or a golden retreiver.

[stomachmonkey]

Never left my Mastif alone near the kids.

Can't tell you how many times I'd walk into the living room and the dog was on the couch with squirming cat feet sticking out from underneath.

[Racerbvd]

I had a Dobie when I was young, he was a great dog, gentle & very protective. The fault is not on the dog, but the idiot who left the child alone

[legion]

How sad and unfortunate.

[Dan in Pasadena]

Terribly sad.

My first grandson is literally due tomorrow, January 5 (I think he'll be late, we'll see). My 100 lb Labrador, Sooner will NEVER be in the same room with him alone and never near enough to bite him (and I don't "think" he ever would) without my hand on his collar. Simply an unacceptable risk even from a "good dog". Emphasis on the DOG, this is a domesticated animal - much as I love my pooch; the infant is a human. NO risk will be taken if possible.

[Super_Dave_D]

Dan - i seriously doubt you will ever have to worry about your lab.

[JavaBrewer]

Great call Dan.

Any dog, even the most loving and gentle, can have a bad day. Are you willing to roll the dice with a newborn or child? Never ever leave your pet dog/cat alone with a child.

[TGTIW]

I really think all these "dog attack" reports would be better if the breed of dog wasn't mentioned and the owner's stupidity was highlighted more.

[sammyg2]

Originally Posted by Super_Dave_D

Dan - i seriously doubt you will ever have to worry about your lab.

IIRC Dan shared with us that his lab has already bitten a couple people. I hope i remember that right, if I have those details wrong I'm sure he'll correct me and understand.
His protecting the baby by keeping the dog away is a good move.
While Labs are usually incredibly gentle, that just goes to show that breed alone does not dictate disposition.
Some breeds are more prone to attack than others (like pit bulls, dobermans, rotts) but a dog of any breed is potentionally capable of attacking or hurting a child.

[TyFenn]

. What is it with the owners?

-- nobody accepts responsibility for their actions any more. It's easier to blame someone else.

(exercising powers of restraint) And just how do you propose they be 'dealt with' skippy?


Very sad story. I bet the grandmother is unconsolable (sp?).

[livi]

I am literary dead tired of people blaming the owners for these animals behavior. They are animals and as such their behavior is unpredictable. If a dog at any time shows a tendency for unpredictable, aggressive behavior - and for sure in this case - it should be put down. Period. Why is it that many people find the life and well being of a dog as being worth more than that of a person. If they want to care for the animals, make a contribution to save the wild life in Africa or South America.

[Moneyguy1]

The dog "allowed" people to pet it? Such a generous animal......

[onewhippedpuppy]

Markus, many of these incidents, irregardless of the dog type, involve dogs that "never even growled at anyone". Or at least that's what their owners say. As a dog owner, you have to admit to yourself that it is an animal, and should be treated as such. Even a "trusted" family pet should never be left alone with an infant.

[teenerted1]

Originally Posted by stomachmonkey

Never left my Mastif alone near the kids.

Can't tell you how many times I'd walk into the living room and the dog was on the couch with squirming cat feet sticking out from underneath.

LOL



now thats funny