A baby, just 20 days old, has been mauled to death by a family pet in Tenerife. The horrific incident happened at lunchtime yesterday in the coastal town of Fasnia near the Tenerife capital Santa Cruz.
A baby, just 20 days old, has been mauled to death by a family pet in Tenerife.
The horrific incident happened at lunchtime yesterday in the coastal town of Fasnia near the Tenerife capital Santa Cruz.
Local reports say the couple found their dog with the newborn baby inside their rural home and separated them before calling the emergency services.
It is understood the Belgian shepherd bit the almost three-week-old baby's head.
Both paramedics and police rushed to the scene to help the tot.
A doctor and a nurse from a nearby medical centre also rushed to the family home.
It is believed they tried to work on the infant for over thirty minutes to try to save her life but she was pronounced dead a short time later.
The town council has called for a day of a mourning today following the tragic death of the infant.
In a statement Mayor Damián Pérez said: "The death of a baby barely 20-days-old, tragically in this municipality, has shocked the residents of Fasnia, expressing feelings of pain, affection and respect."
"A decree has been issued declaring a day of official mourning, from 24:00 hours on October 3 to 24:00 hours on October 4, 2018, throughout the municipality."
"The flags will wave at half mast in the municipal buildings and all the official public acts organised by the council suspended during this time."
"We want to show the condolence and solidarity of this council and of all the residents of the municipality to the relatives."
It is believed the family dog showed no signs of aggression prior to the attack and Belgian shepherds are not on the dangerous breed list.
The dog was captured following the incident without any problems.
Police have launched an investigation to see how the incident occurred.
The child's distraught parents are being comforted by relatives and have undergone psychological medical treatment due to the trauma.
The nationality of the couple has not yet been revealed.
Written by Kellie Kearney staff writer at FFHQ who also blogs at www.mylittlebabog.com.
