A six-year-old child has died after being viciously mauled by the family’s three-year-old pet pit bull.
Daylan Guillen was airlifted to the Tampa General Hospital in the US state of Florida with serious injuries to his upper torso but he tragically passed away.
His parents, named only as Michelle and Liz, have requested that the animal be put down.
Josh Taylor, North Port Police public information officer, said: “The dog was in the bedroom.
“The child walked into the bedroom to get something. Next thing you know, people heard screaming and jumped into action.”
Newsflash obtained a statement from the North Port Police Department dated 4th July saying: “The North Port Police Department responded to the 2700 block of Badger Lane in reference to a dog bite involving a 6-year-old child around 10:30 a.m. Tuesday morning.
“The child was flown to Sarasota Memorial Hospital as a trauma alert. Both the child and the animal reside at the home.”
The statement also said: “The boy passed away at Tampa General Hospital as a result of the severe injuries sustained. They included trauma to the upper torso area.
“Initially, life-saving measures were performed and the child was flown to Sarasota Memorial Hospital with extensive traumatic injuries. Once the child was stabilized, he was later flown to Tampa General for additional procedures.
“This is an active and ongoing case. At this time, no charges have been filed. The animal involved was taken from the home by Sarasota County Animal Services, where it remains. The 3-year-old dog’s breed is considered a pit bull mix. NPPD is not aware of any previous incidents involving the animal’s behaviour.”
North Port Police Chief Todd Garrison said: “Our hearts are broken for this young child and his family. As a father and pet owner, I know this is one of the worst tragedies you can imagine.”
He added: “We ask that everyone take a few moments to pay respect and reflect on those you care for in your life. Our time here is precious.”
The statement also said: “The North Port Police Department will continue to provide support to those impacted by this case. As this is an active and ongoing case, no further details will be released at this time.”
A GoFundMe has been set up and had raised USD 10,192 out of a USD 75,000 goal at the time of writing.
It reads in part: “It is with a very heavy heart that Michelle and Liz’s sweet little 6 yr. Old boy has gained his angel wings. Daylan had a huge love for sooooo many things especially baseball!!
“He was such an amazing son and an even better brother. He had a huge love for dinosaurs. He loved to help out with anything. He was the ‘bat boy’ for his older brothers baseball team.” (sic)
Nicole O’Brien, a Little League baseball secretary who knew Daylan, told local media he was a “very happy child”, adding that he always “liked to be on the field”.
She also said: “He would play with — whether they were three feet taller than him or littler than him, he would always just want to go and play.”
The dog is set to be euthanised after 10 days, according to local media.
The investigation is ongoing.
