A nine-year-old boy from Eagle Butte, South Dakota died after being attacked by a pack of feral dogs. The boy, whose identity has not been released, was found near his bicycle with severe injuries, prompting an investigation by local authorities.
Incident Details
On Saturday, May 18, 2024, officers from the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Police Department responded to a call about a boy lying on the ground in Eagle Butte. Police Chief Charles L. Red Crow stated that the officers found the boy unresponsive, with multiple injuries consistent with animal bites. “We discovered that there were four dogs that attacked and killed him,” Red Crow told Usatoday.com.
The boy’s family identified him later, but his name has not been disclosed to the public. An autopsy on Tuesday reinforced that an animal attack caused the boy’s death. “It is with heavy hearts that we confirm this Wakanyeja (a Lakota term meaning “sacred beings” used for children) lost his life in an attack by several feral dogs. We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends affected by this tragedy,” said Chairman Ryman LeBeau in a statement.
Community Response
The news of the boy’s death spread quickly, prompting an outpouring of grief and sympathy on social media. One Facebook user wrote, “Prayers for this little boy who journeyed to the spirit world way too soon, to his family and friends left to mourn his passing, and to the entire Cheyenne River Nation.” Another individual remarked, “This could have been prevented. My thoughts are with the young boy and his family.”
In response to the attack, animal control officers have been dispatched to patrol the area, capturing both collared and un-collared dogs found roaming free. Collared dogs will be held at the Wakpa Waste Animal Shelter for 72 hours before being processed, while un-collared dogs will be handled immediately.
Growing Concerns
Feral dogs on the Cheyenne River Reservation have been a growing concern for years. Estimates suggest there could be as many as 1,000 loose dogs in the area. The tribe holds regular events, such as the “Gathering of the Dogs,” to address this problem by capturing and managing feral dogs.
The death of the young boy has intensified these concerns, highlighting the need for stricter enforcement of animal control ordinances. The tribe’s animal control code includes provisions requiring dogs to be leashed, tied up, or kept in fenced areas and mandates special regulations for breeds considered dangerous.
Community’s Grief and Hope for Action
As the community grapples with this loss, there are calls for more robust measures to prevent such incidents in the future. “We mourn with all relatives impacted,” said LeBeau. The local authorities are now under pressure to ensure the safety of residents and prevent further incidents involving feral dogs.