Dog kills boy, 4, despite mum's desperate efforts to stop attack
The family of a four-year-old boy killed by a pit bull says the dog belonged to a friend and had apparently "never shown aggressive behaviours."
The boy's family, who are from Detroit, US, released a statement Wednesday identifying him as Benjamin Cobb and saying his death "has taken an unimaginable toll on our family, friends, and those who knew our sweet boy”.
The dog was only at the suburban home following a "kind gesture” to look after it during a time of need, the family statement said.
Police in Hazel Park, north of Detroit, say the boy was pronounced dead on Tuesday night (local time) at a hospital after suffering serious neck and body wounds.
Officers say his mother cut the 28kg dog with a knife defending her son during the vicious attack.
According to The Detroit News, police rushed to the home to see the dog “actively attacking” Benjamin. Officers tasered the dog to try and free the boy.
"A preliminary finding appears that this case was a tragic incident and the investigation continues to determine why the dog attacked the boy," officials said.
His mother was hospitalised with dog bites.
Officers used stun guns to free the boy from the dog, which was euthanised.
Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.
You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter, download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play and stay up to date with the latest news with Yahoo’s daily newsletter. Sign up here.
