Last week, 16 month old Jazilyn Mesa was tragically killed by the family's dog. According to Dr. Beth Vesco-Mock, Director or animal services, the dog and child were apparently left alone in the back at the victim's granparent''s house.
Apparently the child's grandmother heard the ruckus and went out to help the toddler and a neighbor ended up shooting the grandmother in the leg while trying to shoot the attacking dog. The grandmother will recover from her injuries.
The dog is being described as a "pit bull".
Local authorities seem to get that circumstances are what lead to attacks -- according to Vesco-Mock "It's not a dog issue. It's not a pit bull issue. It's a responsibility issue. When you get these dogs, you must train them and supervise them, especially when they're around children."
Indeed. And this is true of any dog.
This is really a tragic case that was easily avoided with adult supervision over the toddler and the dog's interactions. My heart goes out to the family in this case.
This is a very unfortunate, tragic event. I agree that kids, especially younger children, need to be supervised. Sometimes dogs even if they do not seem harmful can be provoked or something just happens. My heart goes out to the family.
Posted by: dog daycare irvine | May 15, 2012 at 12:30 PM
This is a very tragic story, however who leaves a 16 month old outside alone?(with or without the dog) I know the child was attacked by the dog, I'm wondering if she possibly could have also been shot by the neighbor.
Posted by: Keira Fritzen | May 15, 2012 at 02:18 PM
What a tragedy. Not to mention there are way too many people out there that think they can shoot with the accuracy of cops (actors) on TV programs.
Posted by: kmk | May 15, 2012 at 10:50 PM