Tragic Loss: Newborn Baby Dies in Hospital after Being Bitten by Family Pet Dog in Alberta Home

A tragic incident occurred at a home west of Edmonton over the weekend where a two-week-old boy was bitten by a pet dog. Sadly, the newborn passed away at the Stollery Children’s Hospital in Edmonton after being airlifted following the attack in Entwistle, Alta., about 90 kilometers west of the provincial capital.

Despite the efforts of medical professionals, the infant could not be saved, as confirmed by RCMP on Monday. The dog involved was handed over to authorities while investigations continued.

Const. Julie-Ann Strilaiff stated that the focus was on the dog’s health and not on pursuing criminal charges. While the breed of the dog was not definitively identified, Strilaiff mentioned that it was a medium-sized dog.

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Further examinations will determine the specific breed of the dog, according to Strilaiff. The dog is scheduled for evaluation by a veterinarian on Tuesday to check for rabies or any underlying issues. There might also be a request to euthanize the dog under the Dangerous Dogs Act.

Strilaiff emphasized the devastating nature of the incident, mentioning that the newborn was the only child in the household, and the dog was a family pet. Victim services are being provided to support the grieving family.

Such dog attacks are rare, Strilaiff noted, recalling a similar tragic incident in 2012 where a two-day-old boy in Airdrie, Alta., lost his life due to a family dog, which was subsequently euthanized.