Baby boy dies after pet dog attack in home west of Edmonton

A 14-day-old baby boy has died after a dog attack in a community west of Edmonton. 

Evansburg RCMP were called to assist emergency medical services at around 7:30 a.m. Sunday, in the area of Entwistle, Alta., about 100 kilometres from Edmonton.

Police said a pet dog had bitten the newborn inside a residence. 

The baby was airlifted to the Stollery Children’s Hospital in Edmonton with a serious, life-threatening injury. 

Despite efforts of medical professionals, the baby was declared dead, police said in a news release on Monday afternoon. 

RCMP Const. Julie-Ann Strilaiff said police are still investigating the death.

Strilaiff did not provide details about the type of dog but described it as a medium-sized dog.

Strilaiff said the dog was set to be evaluated Tuesday by a veterinarian for things like rabies or inbreeding.

“We need a veterinarian to be able to assist us with being able to ensure that there wasn’t some other underlying cause,” she said.

She added that the newborn was the only child in the home, and the dog was the family pet.

“Obviously the community is pretty devastated and the family’s devastated,” Strilaiff said, adding victim services are available to work with the family.    

“It’s just a heartbreaking situation for all.”  

The dog was surrendered and is being kept at a facility until investigators are able to speak with Alberta’s chief veterinarian, Strilaiff said.

Depending on the wishes of the medical examiner, an application might be made under the province’s Dangerous Dogs Act to have the dog involved in the attack put down. 

Dog attacks like this aren’t common, Strilaiff said.    

In 2012, a two-day-old boy in Airdrie, Alta., was killed by a family dog. The Siberian husky was later euthanized.