3-day-old baby killed by family dogs in California

^{AP June 28, 2016, 2:01 PM}

FRESNO, Calif. – Police in Central California say two family dogs killed a 3-day-old baby after her mother left her on the couch and walked away for a few seconds.

Fresno Police Sgt. Dan Macias tells the Fresno Bee the girl’s mother had left the door open because it was hot and she thought the dogs were tied up in the back yard.

The baby died at a hospital shortly after the attack Monday.

3-day-old baby girl mauled to death by family’s dogs

^{By Alexander Maveal – Online Video Producer Global News}

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.

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.

Family’s pit bull kills newborn baby left on couch

^{KSEE , KPNX 11:58 AM. MST June 28, 2016}

FRESNO, Calif – Police say a family dog killed a 3-day-old baby girl in California early Monday.

The girl’s mother thought the 3-year-old male Shar-Pei and pit bull mix was chained in the backyard.

She said she set the newborn on the couch and left the room for only a few moments.

The mother was in the bathroom and heard screaming.

Newborn Susie Kirby was rushed to the hospital where she died from her injuries.

3-Day-Old Infant Killed By 2 Family Dogs Mom Believed Were Chained Up: Cops

^{by Johanna Li 5:53 PM EDT, June 28, 2016}

A 3-day old California baby was found dead after being attacked by two family dogs, police say.

The 33-year-old Fresno mother left the door open around 12:30 a.m. Monday evening “to let some cool air come in the house,” Sergeant Daniel Macias from the Fresno Police Department told InsideEdition.com.

She then assumed two dogs in the backyard were chained up before she put her newborn on the couch and left to use the restroom, police said.

According to KGPE-TV, the woman heard her baby, identified as Susie Kirby, screaming moments later. By the time she reached the child, it was too late.

“Unknown to her, the dogs were loose and one of them was able to get inside and ended up biting the infant,” Macias said.

The woman’s 30-year-old brother, who was the only other person in the home at the time, contacted paramedics.

Baby Susie died shortly after being rushed to Community Regional Medical Center early Monday morning, the same day her mom was due to give birth.

“They were very upset that night, and obvoiusly very distraught over the sitatuion,” Macias said.

According to authorities, both dogs were owned by the woman’s brother. The dog who killed the infant is believed to be a shar-pei and pit bull mix, and is known to be the “guard dog” of the two.

2016 Dog Bite Fatality: 3-Day Old Baby Killed by Uncle’s Dogs in Fresno, California

^{DogsBite.org reports}

New Details Released
UPDATE 06/29/16: More details have been released about Susie Kirby, a 3-day old baby girl that was attacked and killed by her uncle’s dogs. Prior to going to the bathroom, the mother placed Susie on a recliner-type couch and placed pillows around her so that she would not fall off, Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer said. It was also the mother who propped open the door to let in cooler air, he said. She did not know that one of the dogs with a history of aggression was not tied up.

“While she was in the bathroom, the dog came through the door, grabbed the infant and took that baby outside.” – Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer

At that point, the baby’s uncle came home — he had run out to the store — and discovered the dogs attacking the baby. “When she came out the child was gone,” Dyer said. “In fact, when she was in the bathroom, she heard her brother outside yelling and screaming because he had come home from the store and found the child outside,” Dyer said. Police have turned the case over to Child Protection Services for a complete investigation. However, no charges are anticipated.

American Pit Bull Terrier

It is recommended that American Pit Bull Terrier owners have and carry a break stick¹⁷. A break stick is a device designed to open a Pit Bull type dog’s mouth while it is engaged in fighting. Pit Bull type breeds have a very distinctive fighting style and often will latch on their opponent and not let go. They usually will shake the other animal violently when they are latched on. This can cause horrific damage quickly. The break stick was designed by dog fighters to be inserted into the Pit Bull’s mouth and release his grip. The original purpose was to safely end a dog fight. The break stick often is the ONLY thing that will release the dog’s grip. People have been known to hit Pit Bulls with objects such as a bat or even shoot them and the dog still will not let go. Bully Breed owners should always have one handy in cause of an emergency. The break stick is not safe to use on other breeds of dogs and is only recommended for dogs in the Pit Bull family that were once used for dog fighting purposes.

Learn more about the American Pit Bull Terrier

Shar Pei

The Shar Pei is an ancient and distinguished “wrinkle” dog which is also known as the Chinese Shar Pei. This breed originates from the Guangdong province of China and was bred to guard palaces. For a time period they were used for hunting and herding stock animals. Shar-Peis are considered a rare breed from the Han Dynasty (c. 200 B.C.) and were not recognized by the AKC until 1991. The breed gained some popularity in the 1970’s in the United States. Many breeders rushed to produce these unique canines which caused the breed’s physical characteristics to change. Their wrinkles and rounded snout were exaggerated compared to their ancestors and as a result they developed a significant number of health issues. The name Shar-Pei is believed to come from the Cantonese word “sa peih”, which translates literally to “sand skin”.

As puppies, Shar Peis have loose and wrinkly skin, but as they mature they tend to grow into the skin and have far less wrinkles. Shar Pei puppies need proper socialization with children and strangers. Early training and abundant social interactions may help prevent or reduce problem behaviors later.

As they were bred to be guard dogs, Shar Peis are known to be highly suspicious of strangers. A slow introduction and caution is advised when exposing Shar Peis to unfamiliar people. These canines have a tendency to be territorial and may be aggressive, even if well socialized. At heart, they have a desire to perform their duties as a watch dog. Shar Peis are trainable, but can be very stubborn. They respond best to clear rewards, commands and repetition. They need firm and consistent handlers.

Learn more about the Shar Pei

POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS DOG BREEDS

This is a list of dog breeds that have a history of being potentially dangerous to people, especially children. Daxton’s Friends for Canine Education and Awareness understands that any dog has the ability to bite or inflict serious harm to humans. This list consists of several dog breeds that have a higher than average number of recorded human fatalities. Please use extreme caution if you choose to bring one of these breeds into your home. Rental communities and homeowners insurance may restrict many of the dog breeds on this list due to the likelihood of a serious incident.

Pit Bulls, Mastiff, and Rottweiler lead in fatalities and are listed first. The rest of the breeds are listed in alphabetical order:

Pit Bull Terrier Family

Mastiffs

Doberman Pinscher

German Shepherd

Shar Pei

Siberian Husky

Wolf Hybrid

Tyler Trammell-Huston (9) – Linda, CA – Killed By Sister’s 3 Pit Bulls After She Left Him Alone With The Dogs (1/3/16) https://www.daxtonsfriends.com/2016/01/tyler-trammell-huston-fatal-pit-bull-attack-linda-ca/

Payton Sawyers (1) – Independence, VA – Killed By Pit Bull-Mix While Under Care Of Babysitters (1/8/16) https://www.daxtonsfriends.com/2016/01/payton-sawyers-independence-virginia-fatal-pit-bull-attack/

Talen Nathan West (7) – Lumberton, NC – Killed By Neighbor’s Pit Bull While Playing In The Woods With His Brother (1/24/16) https://www.daxtonsfriends.com/2016/01/talen-nathan-west-lumberton-north-carolina-fatal-pit-bull-attack/

Aiden Grim-Morelli (3 days) – Youngstown, OH – Killed By Family “Mix-breed Shepherd” When Left In A Laundry Basket (2/8/16) https://www.daxtonsfriends.com/2016/02/aiden-grim-morelli-youngstown-ohio-shepherd-death/

Suzanne Story (36) – Hertford, NC – Killed By A Pit Bull-Mix She Adopted 2 Weeks Earlier (2/10/16) https://www.daxtonsfriends.com/2016/02/suzanne-story-hertford-north-carolina-fatal-pit-bull-attack/

Gladys Alexander (92) – Olympia, WA – Killed By Her Neighbor’s 4 Pit Bull-Mixes While Delivering Newspaper (3/8/16) https://www.daxtonsfriends.com/2016/03/gladys-alexander-olympia-wa-pit-bull-mix-fatal-dog-attack/

Bessie Flowers (86) – Charlotte, NC – Killed By Her Daughter’s 2 Pit Bulls While Visiting (3/28/16) https://www.daxtonsfriends.com/2016/03/bessie-flowers-charlotte-north-carolina-fatal-pit-bull-attack/

Sonda Dyan Tyson (66) – Leesburg, FL – Killed By Her Own Pit Bull-Bullmastiff mix (3/31/16) https://www.daxtonsfriends.com/2016/03/sonda-dyan-tyson-fatal-pit-bull-attack/

Valente Lopez Aguirre (58) – Fresno County, CA – Killed By Pack Of Dogs (4/14/16) https://www.daxtonsfriends.com/2016/04/valente-lopez-aguirre-fresno-county-ca-robert-simonian/

Sebastian Caban (3 days) – San Diego, CA – Killed By The Family Pit Bull-Mix While Lying In Bed With His Parents (4/21/16) https://www.daxtonsfriends.com/2016/04/sebastian-caban-san-diego-ca-fatal-pit-bull-attack-mira-mesa/

Manuel Mejia (49) – Homestead, FL – Killed By 1 Pit Bull Type & 9 Belgian Malinois-Bulldog Mixes While Farming (4/24/16) https://www.daxtonsfriends.com/2016/04/manuel-mejia-homestead-florida-fatal-dog-attack-2016/

Adonis Reddick (45) – St. Louis County, MO – Killed By His Own Pit Bull (5/9/16) https://www.daxtonsfriends.com/2016/05/adonis-reddick-st-louis-fatal-pit-bull-attack/

Antoinette Brown (52) – Dallas, TX – Killed By A Pack Of 4 Pit Bull-Mixes, Rottweiler, Shepherd & Doberman-Mixes (5/9/16) https://www.daxtonsfriends.com/2016/05/antoinette-brown-dallas-texas-fatal-dog-attack/

Earl Stephens Jr. (43) – Stockton, CA – Killed By 3 Pit Bulls While Visiting A Friend – (6/4/16) https://www.daxtonsfriends.com/2016/06/earl-stephens-jr-stockton-ca-fatal-pit-bull-attack/

Hunter Bragg (7) – Corinna, ME – Killed By A Pit Bull While Playing In Father’s Yard (6/4/16) https://www.daxtonsfriends.com/2016/06/hunter-bragg-corinna-maine-fatal-pit-bull-attack/

Erin McCleskey (36) – Manor, TX – Killed By Pack Of Dogs While Serving Papers (6/15/16) https://www.daxtonsfriends.com/2016/06/erin-mccleskey-36-manor-texas-dog-bite-related-fatality/

Jocelyn Winfrey (53) – New Haven, CT – Killed By 2 Pit Bull Type Dogs While Visiting Friend (6/27/16) https://www.daxtonsfriends.com/2016/06/jocelyn-winfrey-hamilton-hicks-new-haven-ct-fatal-pit-bull-attack/

Susie Kirby (3-days) – Fresno, CA – Killed By The Family’s 2 Pit Bull/Shar Pei Mixes (6/27/16) https://www.daxtonsfriends.com/2016/06/susie-kirby-fresno-california-fatal-pit-bull-shar-pei-dog-attack/

Kayden Begay (3) – Navajo Nation Reservation, AZ – Killed By The Neighbor’s 5 Pit Bulls (7/14/16) https://www.daxtonsfriends.com/2016/07/kayden-begay-navajo-nation-reservation-az-fatal-pit-bull-attack/

Elizabeth Rivera (71) – Detroit, MI – Killed By Her Daughter’s 4 Pit Bulls (7/16/16) https://www.daxtonsfriends.com/2016/07/elizabeth-rivera-detroit-michigan-fatal-pit-bull-attack/

Crisencio Aliado (52) – Honolulu, HI – Killed By 2 Loose Pit Bull-Mixes (7/29/16) https://www.daxtonsfriends.com/2016/07/crisencio-aliado-honolulu-hawaii-fatal-pit-bull-attack/

Michelle Wilcox (30) – Screven County, Georgia – Killed By Her Boyfriend’s Pit Bull While Visiting (8/1/16) https://www.daxtonsfriends.com/2016/08/michelle-wilcox-screven-county-georgia-fatal-pit-bull-attack/

Derion Stevenson (9) – Las Vegas, NV – Killed By Pit Bull-Mix While Visiting Friend (8/17/16) https://www.daxtonsfriends.com/2016/08/derion-stevenson-las-vegas-nevada-fatal-pit-bull-attack/

Michael Downing (83) – Jacksonville, FL – Killed By Rottweiler & 3 Mixed-Breeds While Taking Out Trash (8/19/16) https://www.daxtonsfriends.com/2016/08/michael-downing-jacksonville-florida-fatal-dog-attack/

Susan Shawl (60) – Conifer, CO – Killed By Her Son’s 2 Family Pit Bulls (8/29/16) https://www.daxtonsfriends.com/2016/08/richard-susan-shawl-conifer-colorado-fatal-pit-bull-attack/

Baby Jane Doe (6-days) – College Station, TX – Killed By Breed Unknown (9/1/16) https://www.daxtonsfriends.com/2016/09/baby-jane-doe-college-station-texas-fatal-dog-attack/

Piper Dunbar (2) – Topeka, KS – Killed By Family Friend’s 2 Pit Bulls (9/24/16) https://www.daxtonsfriends.com/2016/09/piper-dunbar-topeka-kansas-fatal-pit-bull-attack/

Kiyana McNeal (4) – Sherman Township, MI – Killed By A Doberman-Mix Within An Hour Of Adopting (10/23/16) https://www.daxtonsfriends.com/2016/10/kiyana-mcneal-sherman-township-dog-doberman-fatal-attack/

Daisie Bradshaw (68) – New York City, NY – Killed By Her Daughter’s 2 Pit Bull-Mixes (10/25/16) https://www.daxtonsfriends.com/2016/10/daisie-bradshaw-68-staten-island-fatal-pit-bull-attack/

Isaiah Jacob Franklin (6) – Huntington, WV – Killed By The Family Pit Bull (12/2/16) https://www.daxtonsfriends.com/2016/12/isaiah-jacob-franklin-huntington-west-virginia-fatal-pit-bull-attack/

David Fear (64) – Grover Beach, CA – Killed By Neighbor’s Police K9 (12/16/16) https://www.daxtonsfriends.com/2016/12/david-fear-grover-beach-california-fatal-dog-attack/