Florida – A Florida parents were left devastated after returning home from celebrating the woman’s birthday only to discover her chiId, 5-month-old, had been mauIed to death by the famiIy animaI. The chiId’s mom, KyIeigh, told local news outlets that the fatal assauIt occurred on Wednesday while the baby’s parents were out celebrating the mother’s birthday.The baby was under the care of his famiIy members at their home in Florida
According to Sheriff Citwood, the caregivers placed the chiId in a bedroom and closed the door behind them. They then let their three pets out of their cages to roam freely while they prepared tea and toast in the kitchen. At some point, the door to the bedroom was opened, and the Iarge animaI was found sitting next to the baby, who was bIeeding and unresponsive. A 911 call was made at 9:49 p.m., and emergency responders arrived shortly thereafter. Despite efforts to save him, the chiId was pronounced dead at the local hospital, NEWS4SA reported.
The animaI was taken into custody by the County Animal Services. After a 10-day quarantine period, during which the family had the option to appeal, the animaI was euthanized. Sheriff Citwood described the situation as tragic all the way around, emphasizing the emotional toll on the family.
This incident highlights the potential dangers of leaving infants alone with large animaIs, even those that are typically friendly. Experts stress the importance of understanding dog behavior and ensuring that pets are properly socialized and monitored, especially around young children. While animaI attacks on infants are rare, they can have devastating consequences.
The community has been urged to respond with compassion, as the family navigates this unimaginable loss. Sheriff Citwood implored the public to offer condolences rather than criticism, acknowledging the profound grief the family is experiencing.
As investigations continue, this heartbreaking event serves as a somber reminder of the responsibilities pet owners bear in safeguarding their families and others from potential harm. Officials said that they believe the death was an accident, and the Sheriff’s Office do not anticipate bringing any charges.
Posted KyIeigh on Facebook, ‘what we thought would be an enjoyable night turned into the worst night of our lives.’ The devastated parent also wrote that her baby, Karter, was her whole world, and said she has been left bereft. ‘I am at a loss for words,’ she wrote.
‘He made me a better person every day, and he was so loved and always will be through and through, and I am so grateful I was able to be his mommy. ‘As a mother it makes my heart saddened even more that he was so young and we will never be able to experience life to the fullest as a family… May you rest in peace you sweet sweet boy.’
