On July 19, 2024, a tragic incident occurred in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, when two pit bulls viciously attacked three-year-old Covil Allen. The dogs launched themselves at the toddler, Covil, and his mother, Natasha Palacios Vega, while they were visiting a friend’s house to look at new puppies. Despite desperate attempts to save him, Covil died from his injuries six days later.
The attack happened around 12:45 p.m. Adults present at the scene tried to fend off the dogs with hammers and pick axes. When police arrived, they found the dogs still attacking the child. Officers shot both animals, killing one and injuring the other, which was later euthanized.
Covil was rushed to Hennepin County Medical Center, where he underwent multiple emergency surgeries. Initially, there was hope as his condition showed slight improvement, particularly in brain pressure and swelling, and the healing of facial cuts. However, the family’s hopes were shattered when Covil’s condition deteriorated, and he was declared brain dead and they announced his death on social media Friday. The family had to make the heartbreaking decision to begin the process of organ donation to honor his life and potentially save others.
Natasha Palacios Vega, who was also injured in the attack, required two surgeries and a skin graft for her leg. The family set up a GoFundMe page to help cover medical expenses, which has raised over $45,000.
The incident has left the Brooklyn Park community in shock and mourning. Covil’s parents, Natasha and Charles, expressed their grief and desire to find some good in the tragedy through the organ donation. “We hope that Covil’s death will not be in vain,” said Charles Allen, “and that his organs can save other children’s lives.”
Brooklyn Park Police Inspector Elliot Faust described the attack as “extremely vicious.” He mentioned that the officers had never seen such a horrific incident before. “It was a horrific tragedy,” Faust stated. The police are investigating the case, and no charges have been filed yet.
The attack has sparked discussions about the safety of certain dog breeds, particularly pit bulls, which have been involved in several fatal attacks in the United States. In recent years, Minnesota has seen several high-profile pit bull attacks. In February 2023, a child in Saint Paul was mauled by five pit bulls, and in April 2023, a 22-year-old man was killed by his brother’s four pit bulls while dog-sitting.
The tragic event has also drawn attention to the need for responsible pet ownership and stricter regulations on dog breeding and ownership. Brooklyn Park police have already exceeded the number of dangerous dog designations compared to the previous year. “It’s the responsibility of dog owners to control their pets at all times,” said Faust. The police department works with city leaders and elected officials to address the issue and prevent future incidents.
Covil’s story has also brought to light other recent dog attacks in the area. Just three days after Covil’s attack, a seven-year-old girl was attacked by a loose dog six miles away. Although she suffered only superficial injuries, the incident has heightened concerns about dog safety in the community.