A newborn girl died in hospital early Monday morning after she was mauled by her family’s dogs.
According to police, the baby’s mother believed the two male shar-pei/pit bull mixes were chained when she propped opened the front door of the home to let in fresh air.
READ MORE: Police investigate whether Montreal-area woman was mauled to death by dog
The 33-year-old new mom then placed the three-day-old baby, identified as Susie Kirby, on the couch as she went to the washroom.
That’s when she heard the baby’s cries.
Police say the dogs dragged the baby outside where the mother’s 30-year-old brother discovered the gruesome scene.
“For any child to get injured, it hurts,” Daniel Macias of the Fresno Police Department told KFSN. “But a newborn, we know how precious life is and it’s very unfortunate this happened.”
The newborn was rushed to hospital, but died of her injuries a short time later.
Police said the mother described one of the dogs as aggressive.
READ MORE: Parents call for more strict rules after repeat offender dog attacks child
The Central California Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals took control of the dogs and plans to euthanize the animals.
Brenda Mitchell of the Fresno Humane Animal Services warned that “what dogs see is not always the same as what humans see.”
“A brand new baby is often translated as a wounded animal,” Mitchell told KSEE.
“It would almost be impossible to re-home these dogs for any organization,” Mitchell said. “They’re victims too, unfortunately they really are. But they’re probably not safe dogs to place out into the community again.”
Police are still investigating the tragic incident and say charges could still be laid.
“At this point, we believe it was an unfortunate accident,” Macias said.
Comments