Missouri: Pit Bull kills 13-month-old Missouri girl. Her babysitter is charged with manslaughter

MISSOURI -- A southeast Missouri woman faces manslaughter charges after a dog she was keeping killed the 13-month-old girl she was baby-sitting.

The Cape Girardeau County, Mo., prosecutor filed a second-degree involuntary manslaughter charge against Erica N. Jordan “for acting with criminal negligence that resulted in the death" of the girl, Loxli Chavez, said a police department statement.

Jordan was arrested last week and posted bond, court records show. Loxli was attacked March 9 at Jordan’s home in Cape Girardeau and was pronounced dead at a hospital.

KFVS 12 reported that an autopsy showed she died from two puncture wounds to the skull.

The Southeast Missourian reported the dog, named Smokey, was part Pit Bull, Labrador and Malamute.

Jordan told police that she was keeping the dog at her home for her brother and that the dog was “not good with kids," the newspaper reported.

The woman said the dog had bitten her son "about a year ago", but claimed she thought the dog had calmed down after being neutered.

Loxli's mother, Tia Bailey, said she wasn't informed of the attack on Jordan’s son, or of the dog's behavior around children, the newspaper reported. Jordan had started baby-sitting the girl and her 5-year-old sister earlier in the week of the attack.

In court records, the babysitter described hearing “screaming and crying” and saw “blood everywhere” when the dog mauled the girl, the newspaper reported. She said she pulled the dog off the child and called 911.

The dog was taken to a shelter and is expected to be euthanized, per protocol, police said.

Following Loxli's death, the community raised more than $4,800 through GoFundMe to help the family.

"Loxli was full of life, she was happy, strong and was always full of joy," said a statement on the fundraising website. "She is also described as having a beautiful attitude. She would wrinkle up her nose and snort. Just a couple of weeks ago she started taking her first steps. Today, Loxli's life was cut too short by a tragic accident. ... It was all (too) unexpected."

Baby Loxli Willow Chavez Memorial
Created March 9, 2018
Jeremy Verhines
on behalf of Michelle Seabaugh
  Medical
  SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA

On March 9, 2018, Loxli Willow Chavez went to be with the Lord. Loxli was born on February 4, 2017. Loxli was born premature, weighed 3lbs, 3 oz. She was a warrior and made it out of the NICU and went home with her parents. Loxli was full of life, she was happy, strong and was always full of joy. She is also described as having a beautiful attitude. She would wrinkle up her nose and snort. Just a couple of weeks ago she started taking her first steps.

Today, Loxli's life was cut too short by a tragic accident. The family is devastated and in shock right now if you can imagine. It was all to unexpected.

The funds that are raised will help the family with support through this tragedy. As you can expect, returning back to normal life and routine is going to take some time. The family has limited income to live on and any support you offer will go farther than you can ever imagine.

I set the goal high because that just a fraction of the real picture of what they will need to be able to take care of the accommodations they are responsible for. In addition, they are going to need support in their healing, grieving the loss of their child, and being able to take the time they need to recover and start over.

The father and mother have been through many rough trials. Life has thrown them many curve balls and they continue to do their best to make ends meet. They are going to need our support through this time and financial gifts will ease the stress and concerns they already have.

(Ledger Enquirer - April 12, 2018)

Earlier:

• Missouri: Babysitter Erica Jordan, 33, knew dog in deadly mauling was aggressive with children, say court documents

Missouri: Babysitter Erica Jordan, 33, knew dog in deadly mauling was aggressive with children, say court documents

MISSOURI -- A 33-year-old Cape Girardeau woman has been charged with second-degree involuntary manslaughter after her brother’s Pit Bull / Labrador / Malamute mix fatally attacked a 13-month-old girl she was babysitting last month.

Cape Girardeau County Prosecuting Attorney Chris Limbaugh announced the charge Friday against Erica N. Jordan of 46 N. Hanover St. The charge alleges “criminal negligence.”

Jordan was arrested and posted a $5,000 surety bond. As a condition of her release on bond, Judge Benjamin Lewis barred Jordan from caring for any children in her home other than her biological children, Limbaugh said in a news release.

“These charges come after a careful review of the evidence, an opportunity to speak with the victim’s family and follow-up investigations with witnesses,” the release stated.

The girl, Loxli Chavez, was taken to a hospital where she later died from “severe injuries,” according to a probable-cause statement.

The attack occurred March 9 at Jordan’s home.

In an interview with police, Jordan said the dog, named Smokey, weighed between 30 and 40 pounds. She said she was keeping the dog temporarily for her brother, according to the probable-cause statement from police Sgt. Darren Estes.

Jordan said she began babysitting Loxli and Loxli’s 5-year-old sister, Juniper, on March 5, Estes wrote. Jordan said Loxli’s parents knew about the dog, according to the statement.

Estes wrote “Jordan stated she frequently lets the dog loose, but sometimes placed the dog into her son’s room because the dog is ‘not good with kids.’”

She recalled the dog had “attacked” her son, biting him in the head about a year ago.

Jordan said the dog had since been neutered and “she thought the dog had ‘calmed down,’” Estes wrote.

Jordan said Smokey was drinking water from a dog bowl within a few feet of Loxli just before the attack. She said she suddenly “heard screaming and crying” and saw “blood everywhere, ”according to the probable-cause statement.

She said in the statement she tried to pull the dog away, but “he was so aggressive” and “just kept going for the baby.”

Jordan said she finally pulled Smokey off the girl and secured him in a closed bedroom. She then called 911.

Tia Bailey, the victim’s mother, told police it was never disclosed to her before the attack Smokey previously attacked Jordan’s child. Bailey said Jordan had reassured her the dog would not pose a risk to her children, according to the statement.

If convicted, Jordan faces a maximum sentence of four years in prison, the prosecutor said.

Police said after the attack the dog was impounded and would be euthanized.

(Southeast Missourian - April 7, 2018)

New Mexico: After four dogs maul woman, two dogs including a Pit Bull, 'disappear' from owner's yard

LOS LUNAS, NEW MEXICO -- A Valencia County woman was taking a walk in her neighborhood when she was attacked by dogs.

The Sheriff's office confirmed the case Sunday night, and KOB spoke to family and friends about what happened.

KOB also obtained video of the attack. Neighbor Karla Brannan said it shows what happened to 33-year-old Carolyn Lucero early Easter morning. The attack outside Los Lunas left Lucero with injuries and multiple surgeries to try and save her arm.

"She was down on the ground face down and just screaming and asking for help, and there were four dogs on top of her just ... they were just mauling her," Brannan said. "They were growling and they were biting and they were just fighting."

Brannan said she woke up from the noise and ran out to help about 10 minutes after the dogs ran out.

"I found her phone and we called to get somebody to come be with her, and you're just wondering what can I do for this woman," Brannan said.

Brannan called Animal Control. KOB asked the home where the dogs appeared to be coming out from what happened.

OWNER CLAIMS ATTACK DOGS AREN'T HERS

"It's just crazy and ridiculous. These are my only two dogs that we have and the cops came asking too. Where's all the pit bulls at? Asking my husband," said Vanessa Quintana. 

She denied being involved and said her dogs weren’t responsible.

But moments later, Animal Control drove off with the two dogs she said weren't involved. Neighbors believe there are two more dogs out there.

"I saw a pit bull in the backyard yesterday on the chain that's white that was not taken today. And also there was a black-and-white dog that was bloodied that has now disappeared and that came out of her yard too," Brannan said.

Meanwhile, Lucero tries to recover in the hospital.

"Thank God we were able to save her. Thank God," Brannan said.

Animal Control said it's under investigation and they would be doing extra patrols.

(KOB - April 2, 2018)

Earlier:

• New Mexico: Woman whose arm was nearly torn off in horrific dog attack shares her story

Texas: Family's dog to be euthanized after attacking their 6-year-old daughter

Note: There is a discrepancy in defining the dog. The article first says it's a Pit Bull; later they refer to it as an American Bulldog mix. It may be a Pit Bull / American Bulldog. Either way, it's what's referred to as a "bully breed", the ones known for attacking the most

TEXAS -- A 6-year-old old girl had to be taken to a Tyler hospital Monday after she was attacked by her family's pit bull in the Winona area.

At around 9:15 a.m., two animal control officers and a deputy constable responded to the home in the 12500 block of 18th Avenue.

The Smith County Sheriff's Office stated the child was taken to a hospital by the 6-year-old girl's grandparents. The family did not accept EMS help, according to Smith County Animal Control.

The 1-year-old American bulldog mix was tethered until officials arrived.

SURPRISED OWNERS
The parents of the child reported the dog attack was unprovoked. They also stated there were no display of past aggression in the three months they had owned the pet.

The child had been playing with the dog inside the fenced-in front yard when the child began screaming because she did not want to leave the dog. The dog then attacked the child, biting both of her legs.

Smith County Animal Control has requested for confirmation of the dog’s vaccinations. The dog was surrendered to Animal Control Officers upon arrival to be euthanized and submitted for rabies testing.

The child's name will not be released.

(East Texas Matters - April 2, 2018)

New Mexico: Woman whose arm was nearly torn off in horrific dog attack shares her story

LOS LUNAS, NEW MEXICO -- A woman mauled by four dogs on Sunday in Valencia County is sharing those horrific moments.

Carolyn Lucero said she nearly lost her arm after four dogs attacked her in a neighborhood outside Los Lunas.

"I got by the stop sign and all of a sudden, there were all these dogs," she said.

Video captured on a neighbor's surveillance camera is dark and fuzzy, but it captures the moment Lucero walks along the road and multiple dogs pounce.

"The dog that had me by my arm, I gave up on that one," she said. "I started just fighting the other ones off of me."

She said it was an excruciating 10 minutes that felt like an eternity.

"Screaming for help and nobody would come out," she said. "A car passed by me and didn't stop."

A neighbor nearby heard her screams and ran outside to help.

"I appreciate everything," Lucero said. "I told her she's my guardian angel."

As of Monday, Lucero had a third surgery on her arm. She's been told even after everything, she may lose mobility in that limb.

The Valencia County Sheriff's office is assisting animal control with the investigation. Two dogs have been picked up. Sheriff's officials said animal control is going to file charges against the owner.

Note: A neighbor described one dog clearly as a white Pit Bull, the second dog as a black and white dog covered in blood. Video shows Animal Control removing what appears to be a white Shepherd mix and another smaller dark mixed breed dog. The owner denies owning the Pit Bull and black and white dog despite neighbors saying they were typically chained in the owner's backyard. What likely happened is that her husband drove them off somewhere and is hiding them.

 

 

 

(KOB - April 3, 2018)

Australia: Deadly South African Boerboel that left a 10-year-old girl fighting for life in hospital with wounds to her head, neck and groin is put down after savage attack

AUSTRALIA -- A family's deadly dog which mauled a 10-year-old girl has been put down after a savage attack left the girl fighting for her life.

Two unregistered dogs were seized by council officers after the girl was left with shocking injuries from her own pet in the Melbourne suburb of Berwick on Sunday.

In a statement on Monday evening, the City of Casey Council confirmed a South African Boerboel had been 'destroyed' with the owner's permission.

The council said: 'The dog believed to be responsible for the attack has been identified as a South African Boerboel, while the second dog has been identified as a Bull Mastiff. Neither dogs were registered with the City of Casey.'

The council on Monday revealed they have previously issued four infringements to the dogs' owner.

Officers were called to the same home in December after the family's other dog, a Bull Mastiff, acted aggressively towards a passer-by.

But the incident wasn't considered severe enough to seize the dog from its owners, who were slapped with a fine.

The council said the previous infringements imposed on the family were for biting a person, the dog being 'at large' at night and failing to register two dogs.

Earlier, hero neighbors described the moment they saved the girl who was 'thrown around like a rag doll' as she was viciously mauled by her own dog.

 

 

 

Dr Liz Walker, Chief Executive of the RSPCA, described the attack as a 'tragic and devastating event', but urged the family to consider having the dog euthanized.

'This is a discussion for the family and the council. But It would have to be something they would seriously consider,' Dr Walker told the broadcaster.

The girl remains in hospital and is lucky to be alive, according to neighbors who helped saved her.

Jimmy Baird was at home watching television with his wife when they heard screaming from a nearby house.

'A young girl came out saying her sister was being attacked by the dog,' he said.

Mr Baird and another neighbor ran to the home where they found the terrified girl banging on a door trying to get away from the dog.

'We tried to get the door open. As I opened the door, this massive head was coming through the door frothing at the mouth. It was obviously going to go us,' Mr Baird told Nine Network on Monday.

The men went around to the side of the house and distracted the dog, allowing the girl to escape.

'I'm glad we were there because the young girl probably wouldn't have survived,' Mr Baird said.

Another neighbor told 3AW their mother and their mother's boyfriend were at the gym when the dog attacked.

The neighbors said the mother seemed more concerned about her pets than her daughters.

"Not once was there, 'Where's my daughter? How is she?' It was just... [about] the dogs", said one neighbor.

 

 

She was covered in dirt, leaves, blood, yeah, just in shock

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said dog owners need to take responsibility for their animals.

'If you own an animal then it is your primary responsibility to make sure that you have control of that animal and that it doesn't pose a risk to others,' Andrews said.

Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton said the matter would be handled by the local council but added the incident served as a reminder for people to keep control of their dogs.

'Whether they're in your backyard or out on the street, it doesn't absolve your responsibility of keeping your animals under control,' Mr Ashton said.

Note: Neither of these Boerboels attacked the little girl, but
I'm posting so you get an idea how big these dogs are.

(Daily Mail - March 5, 2018)

Australia: Boy, 3, attacked by Great Dane has his ear surgically reattached

AUSTRALIA -- A three-year-old boy who was torn from his bike and dragged by a Great Dane almost double his size has had his ear surgically reattached.

Little Tom Higgins was riding his bike and collecting cans for recycling with his family in Newcastle on Tuesday evening when the dog escaped through an open gate, biting his neck and ear.

The young boy underwent surgery at John Hunter Children’s Hospital on Wednesday and police say the dog is likely to be destroyed following a council investigation. The child remains in hospital in a stable condition.

Tom was the third child in just four days to be savagely mauled by pet dogs in Australia — leading to calls for new guidelines for owners and bans on dangerous breeds.

The first attack came on Saturday. One-year-old Kamillah Jones was in a stroller in the NSW town of Inverell when a Rottweiler attacked her.

She was rushed to Inverell District Hospital in an ambulance, but her injuries were so severe she couldn’t be saved.

There was another attack on Sunday, this time in Melbourne, where a 10-year-old girl was seriously injured by her family's Bull Mastiff.

That attack happened while her parents were reportedly at the gym.

When speaking about the attack in Newcastle, NSW Police’s Detective Acting Inspector Jeffrey Little said the owners of any dog that attacks a person are liable.

DELUSIONAL DOG OWNERS
However, the Great Dane’s owners said the canine simply does not like bikes, the Seven Network reported.

The Great Dane will likely be euthanized, say police

(News AU - March 8, 2018)

Earlier:

• Australia: Boy, 3, riding bicycle is attacked by Great Dane; has part of his ear ripped off