Al-anwar Newspaper English news in Australia
Two pet dogs involved in the fatal mauling of a newborn baby girl had been reported to the local council by terrified neighbours who feared they would attack someone.
Five-week-old Mia Riley died in Moruya Hospital on Saturday night after two rottweilers took hold of her while she slept in a bouncer.
The dogs belong to a cousin of Mrs Riley, who lives next door to her father Ross Galvin who was hosting a family gathering that when the tragedy happened.
Multiple neighbours in Hawdon St told The Daily Telegraph they had stopped walking past the house where the dogs lived because they were so fearful of them.
“We warned them .. we said (to council) they will attack someone one day, they are so loud and intimidating,” an elderly resident said.
Another resident on the street said the dogs would often bang against the fence and gate, and they feared it wouldn’t take much for the animals to get out onto the street.
“I know the council went there .. maybe six to 12 months ago and spoke to the people (who own the dogs),” a neighbour said.
“But nothing really changed … I’m not aware of them ever attacking, but they are just scary to look at and very large, you just worry what they could do if they got out.”
Eurobodalla Shire Council declined to comment on previous complaints about the dogs.
“Council has no comment to make while the matter is under NSW Police investigation,” communications manager Kellee Pasanos said.
There is no legal restriction on owning a rottweiler in NSW, and the dogs are not currently listed on the dangerous breed register.
Baby Mia was asleep when the dogs set upon her just after 10.30pm. It is understood the family gathering was held in the backyard of Mr Galvin’s house, and the dogs were able to wander between the two neighbouring yards.
Police said they were still interviewing the devastated parents and other adults who were at the gathering to understand exactly how the attack happened, and why the dogs were able to get access to the baby.
The critically-injured infant was rushed by car to the nearby hospital, where she died a short time later.
A spokesperson for the family said the family was requesting privacy as they grieve.
Council rangers seized the dogs on Sunday morning and took them to a local pound while a decision is made on their future.
The owners of the dogs posted on social media in 2018 they had a litter of rottweiler puppies for sale. “Rottweiler puppies for sale: We have nine healthy little nuggets available … $1000 each. Parents available for viewing,” the post read.
The dog owners declined to comment when contacted on Wednesday.
