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Dog owners beware of leaving children and dogs unattended
In Onslow County, North Carolina, authorities released information about a 4-month-old baby whose toes on one foot were eaten off by a 12-week-old pit bull puppy.
This happened overnight while the mother slept. Robie Lynn Jenkins says that she had taken medication which prevented her from hearing the child cry overnight. She discovered the injuries in the morning when she went to change the child's diaper.
The child is at Pitt Memorial Hospital and is in danger of losing his left foot. Ms. Jenkins and her boyfriend are facing felony child abuse charges.
While this new headline is gruesome and deplorable, it serves as a good lesson for dog owners. This particular pit bull was only living temporarily with this family as it's owner was under arrest on gun charges. Bringing a dog into a home with small children, no matter whether the dog is a pit bull or a golden retriever or a Chihuahua, precautions must be taken.
When dogs and children are in the same household, the dog should never be left alone with the child. While the dog may be the most trusted family pet, young children are unpredictable. If the child were to step on the dog, or pull on its ear hard enough, the dog may nip to protect itself. Even little nips can have a huge impact on a child.
Never allow a dog to lick a young child in the face, as this behavior can lead to more intense licking/nipping when the child has food on his face. Some dog trainers even caution against using treats as this can encourage dogs to beg and even demand food from unsuspecting children.
Read more tips on raising dogs and children together.
photo credit: www.morguefile.com
Comments
Ok the mom didn't hear the kid because of medication but what about the boy friend? I take ambien and if my husband is on night shift I do not take it I just suffer so I can hear my 1 and 2 year old. I hope they get at least jail if not more. I also have a 90 lb dog in the house that would not hurt a fly but just for caution reason's the boy's room stays closed or the dog is put behind a gate. What is wrong with people!!
Thank you for pointing out that this is not just about Pit Bulls. ANY dog should be supervised around children. This story seems very fishy, I agree with Lynn's comment. I'm so sad about how many dogs are euthanized each year because of human stupidity - where are we going to start euthanizing the humans who really made the mistake, instead?
That is the saddess thing i ever read
that pitt needs to b put to sleep
and the mother no that she wuz wrong
that babii should of been n the room with her.......that baby iz 4mth.
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