A wolf-hybrid kept as a family pet in Alabama, US, attacked and killed a 3-month-old baby, according to a release from the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office. Around 1 p.m., deputies received an emergency call reporting an animal attack on an infant at a residence on County Road 440 in Chelsea.
The baby was rushed to a nearby hospital in the Birmingham suburb of Chelsea, where he was pronounced dead from injuries caused by the wolf-hybrid. “The animal, described as a wolf-hybrid, was reportedly kept as a pet by the family,” according to a press release from the police.
A wolf-hybrid is a canine with wolf and dog ancestry, and the family was aware of the wolf ancestry, according to Shelby County Coroner Lina Evans. The animal was euthanized on the spot before being transported to the Alabama State Diagnostics Laboratory.
The incident is being investigated, and an autopsy will be performed, according to authorities.
“We are deeply saddened by this unfortunate and tragic event,” expressed Chelsea Mayor Tony Picklesimer in a statement on Friday. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and all those affected.”
“It’s just unthinkable that this could happen to this baby,” he added. “If you choose to own an exotic pet, it comes with additional responsibilities to ensure not only your family’s safety but also your neighbors’ safety.”
The mother of a three-month-old girl who was mauled to death by a pet dog has admitted to being the owner of the vicious dog that killed her daughter. The baby, Kyra King, was attacked earlier this year in March in Lincolnshire, UK, while her parents were walking 19 dogs, according to the BBC.