Tragic Dog Attack Claims Life of Five-Day-Old Michigan Baby
A devastating tragedy has struck a Michigan family after their five-day-old baby girl was killed by the family pet in a brutal attack that occurred while the infant was in her bassinet. The infant, identified only as Freya, succumbed to her injuries on Tuesday morning following what authorities described as puncture wounds from an animal attack.
Grandmother's Heartbreaking Account
The baby's grandmother, Linda French, revealed through emotional interviews that she never had the opportunity to meet her granddaughter. "That baby should have never been left alone," French told local media, her voice filled with anguish over the preventable tragedy.
French explained that the family had taken in the mixed-breed dog just a few months prior to the incident, noting they "didn't know where he came from." According to her account, Freya's parents had left the infant unattended with the dog in a bassinet-style bed when the fatal attack occurred.
Police Response and Investigation
Novi Police Department officers and firefighters responded to the home in the 42000 block near 13 Mile Road and Novi Road at 8:28 a.m. on Tuesday after a family member discovered the gravely injured infant. The dog, described as a mixed breed of average size, was immediately taken into custody.
The canine was transported to Oakland County Animal Control on Tuesday and was humanely euthanized the following day. To date, no charges have been filed in connection with Freya's death, and police have not disclosed who was present inside the home during the tragic attack.
Family Members Share Conflicting Perspectives
Freya's father revealed off-camera that the dog somehow managed to get hold of his daughter while she was in her bassinet. Another grandmother, who identified herself only as Ellyn, provided additional details despite not being home during the attack.
"He came out briefly and told me the bassinet was there and the baby was asleep in it," Ellyn explained to reporters. "The dog, who they raised around other kids, for some reason knocked the bassinet over."
Ellyn added that the dog then killed the baby before Freya's father could intervene, noting that the family was particularly confused because "the dog's been raised with ... other toddlers in there." She concluded, "We don't know what actually happened other than the dog snapped out right in front of everyone."
Previous Aggressive Behavior Reported
Linda French disclosed that the canine had displayed aggressive behavior toward her on a previous occasion. "The dog comes sniffing, but then he lunged at me," she recalled, choking up as she discussed her granddaughter's untimely death.
The tragic incident has left the family shattered, with French expressing her profound grief: "Sorry to say that about my stepson but those kids don't belong there. God, it kills me." The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine the exact circumstances surrounding this heartbreaking loss of a newborn's life.
