A horrific incident unfolded in Duncanville, Texas, on April 15, 2024, as a one-year-old boy, Shiraz Asirvadam, was killed by three dogs at his babysitter’s residence.
According to the Duncanville Police Department, the babysitter, who is also the homeowner, had four dogs. The three dogs involved in the fatal incident were identified by Duncanville Animal Control as German Shepherd mixes. The trio comprised of a male dog weighing around 100 pounds and two females, each weighing about 80 pounds.
The dogs, initially secured in a designated area, somehow gained access to the house where they attacked the toddler. The woman also suffered injuries while attempting to intervene and separate the dogs from the child.
The emergency services arrived on the scene at approximately 10:40 a.m. and immediately initiated life-saving measures for the unresponsive toddler. Despite their efforts, the child was declared dead upon arrival at the Children’s Medical Center in Dallas.
In the aftermath of the attack, the three dogs were taken into custody by Duncanville Animal Control. They are now quarantined, pending a decision by either the owner to surrender them or a legal ruling to label them as “Dangerous Dogs.” The investigation is also looking into the possibility of the homeowner operating an unlicensed daycare facility as three other children were present at the time. Texas Health and Human Services confirmed that the residence is not a licensed daycare.
Duncanville Police are entertaining the prospect of criminal charges as the investigation advances and are coordinating with the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office and the victim’s family to decide the appropriate course of action. The police have refrained from further commenting on potential charges until consultations with all parties have been concluded.
Interim Chief of Duncanville Police, Matthew Stogner, underlined the gravity of the incident while acknowledging the prompt response of the officers in attempting to save the toddler’s life.
David Trout, who is the brother of the homeowner’s ex-husband, portrayed her as a well-intentioned individual who has provided childcare services for her family and neighbors for a long time without any previous issues. “She’s a sweetheart. She means well. She’s taken care of kids down there forever without any problems,” Trout shared with local media, conveying his distress over the tragic event.
The tragedy has left the community in a state of shock and mourning, with neighbors expressing deep sorrow and unease about the presence of large dogs around small children. As the investigation continues, Duncanville Police are partnering with local authorities to determine potential changes in local regulations concerning pet ownership and daycare operations.