Toddler dies from family dog attack
A 14-month-old girl died during a tragic dog attack inside her family home at Neerim Junction early Thursday morning.
One of the toddler’s older siblings made the emergency triple zero call at 6.20am as the child’s mother desperately tried to intervene in the attack.
Police described the incident as devastating and an absolute tragedy for the family.
The girl was attacked by the family’s pet dog, a German Wirehaired Pointer.
Warragul Police senior sergeant Duncan Bartley said the child’s mother attempted to intervene when the attack occurred. Two older siblings, both school aged, also were present when the attack occurred.
The toddler was attacked on the face and suffered life threatening injuries. Seven paramedics from Warragul and Moe attended but were unable to save her and she died at the scene.
The dog attacked the girl in the kitchen. Sen sgt Bartley said it was normal for the dog to be inside the house and the family was going about its normal morning routines, preparing for the day ahead.
The family of five moved to the rural Neerim North Rd property in recent months.
Sen sgt Bartley said police and emergency services immediately responded to the triple zero call, with four officers from Warragul and several ambulance units, including air ambulance.
He said it was an absolute tragedy for the family and it will be hard for them to get through the shock of what occurred.
Police contacted Baw Baw Shire’s community compliance team to attend at the property and remove the dog.
Chief executive officer Alison Leighton said the family voluntarily surrendered the six-year-old dog, which was humanely euthanised on Thursday afternoon.
Ms Leighton said council’s thoughts were with the family that had tragically lost their child as a result of the dog attack.
“Our thoughts are with the family and the tight-knit Neerim Junction community during this difficult time,” she said.
Ms Leighton said Neerim Junction was a tight community and the girl’s death would “shake” the community.
“Our small communities embrace new members to the community and Neerim Junction community will be thinking and feeling for the family affected by this tragedy,” she said.
Ms Leighton said council staff had opened up the Neerim Junction hall on Thursday to make themselves available to support community members who needed or sought some support.
“Council is focused on supporting Victoria Police and the coroner to ensure they have all the required information for their investigation,” she said.
Ms Leighton could not confirm whether the dog was registered saying that information would be provided to the police investigation.
She confirmed the breed was not classified as “dangerous” according to the Domestic Animals Act.
Mayor Joe Gauci said council really felt for the family. He said it was the first fatality from a dog attack in the shire.
“We are here to give our condolences to the family and show our support to the local community.
“It is a tragic event and we as councillors are here to support the community,” he said.
Police are investigating the circumstances of the attack and will prepare a report for the coroner.