4-Day-Old Newborn Baby Killed by Family’s Siberian Husky

A heartbreaking incident has left a family mourning for their newborn infant and family dog at the same time. A 4-day-old baby was fatally bitten by a 3-year-old Siberian Husky in Cave Springs, Arkansas. The baby girl was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Family’s Husky Fatally Bit Newborn Baby on Her Head

The Siberian Husky bit the 4-day-old girl on the head just after noon on December 14. Authorities responded to the scene before rushing her to Arkansas Children’s Northwest Hospital via ambulance. She was then flown to Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock, where the newborn baby was pronounced dead from “severe injuries to her head.”

Cave Springs’ Lt. Keith Lawson said that “The dog was seized by the police department and euthanized by a local veterinary service in accordance with state law.” He added that investigation findings were being forwarded to the Benton County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. However, no criminal charges were believed to be filed as a result of the dog attack.

Most Serious Dog Attacks Occur in Family Pets, Young Children

Dogs fatally or seriously injuring young children is unfortunately not an uncommon occurrence. Dog attacks account for the second most common cause of children’s emergency room visits in the United States. 79% of fatal dog attacks are on children and they usually occur among children between the ages of 5 and 9. Most of these attacks occur in the upper extremities around faces and heads. Most of the time, it’s thought that these attacks occur while adults are not present.

Sadly, most dog bites are from dogs belonging to a victim’s family or friend.

While it’s easy to forget that a beloved pet could do something like kill a new family member, it’s crucial to remember to never leave a young child unattended. This is especially true for newborns and children alike.

Animals that are not accustomed to babies can easily be spooked or react in unpredictable ways. If a dog pierces a person’s skin, regardless of a fatality, it will often result in them being euthanized. States differ in their stipulations, with some mandating euthanasia after 2 or 3 bites. However, if a person is killed, it can often lead to a 1-strike situation.

In the case of the family in Arkansas, they lost their newborn baby to their family Husky. No words can adequately describe the loss that they must be feeling. Our deepest condolences and prayers go out to the family for their loss.

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