Newborn Mauled To Death By Family Dog; Pet Euthanized

KEY POINTS

A 4-day-old baby girl died due to injuries caused by the family dog
The dog was a 3-year-old Siberian husky
The dog was seized and euthanized by a veterinary service in accordance with state law

A newborn baby in Arkansas has died after it was bitten by the family dog days before Christmas, police said.

According to Benton County prosecuting attorney Nathan Smith, his office was informed by the Cave Springs Police Department that they were investigating the death of a 4-day-old baby girl who died from injuries caused by the child's family's dog, WNTZ Fox 48 reported.

Though the investigation is ongoing, Smith said he does not think that any criminal charges will be filed.

The dog, a 3-year-old Siberian husky, was later seized and euthanized by a veterinary service in accordance with state law.

Officers responded to a home on Dec. 14 regarding a family dog that bit a 4-day-old baby, WSAZ reported.

Cave Springs Police Lt. Keith Lawson said that the incident happened at approximately 12:20 p.m.

The child was taken to Children's Hospital in Springdale and then transported to Children's Hospital in Little Rock. The baby was later pronounced dead.

"Based on the statements of witnesses and the opinions of medical professionals, it was determined that the fatal injuries were inflicted on the child by the family dog," Lawson explained.

The name of the deceased and the family involved have not been released. Other additional information about the incident was not provided by the authorities.

In another canine attack, an 8-year-old lab mix named Duke was reportedly scheduled for euthanization after attacking a mail carrier in Tuscola County, Michigan, on Dec. 20, ABC12 reported.

Tricia and Jason Sanback, the owners of the dog, were given time to appeal.

"They deemed him a vicious animal but did not cause serious injury or death," Tricia said. "But they still decided to put him down instead of going through the stipulations of having a higher fence or more liability insurance."

The mail carrier was taken to the hospital. He suffered several lacerations, infection and swelling that was cutting off circulation to his fingers. He was required to be hospitalized for four days. He is suing for $25,000 in damages.