A three-month-old boy was killed on Saturday, August 3, 2024, after being attacked by two dogs in a home on Bidwell Terrace in Rochester, New York. Rochester Police responded to a 911 call around 1 p.m. and found the infant suffering from severe injuries. He was transported to Strong Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
According to law enforcement officials, Rochester Animal Control officers removed two pit bull-type dogs from the residence. The Major Crimes Unit, along with Child Protective Services and the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office, has launched an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Several sources, including the Daily Mail, suggest that the three-month-old boy was left alone because the parents allegedly went out to buy drugs. However, it is important to note that the police have not confirmed this claim. As of now, no official statement has been made regarding the parents’ whereabouts at the time of the attack.
“This is incredibly tragic,” said Captain Greg Bello of the Rochester Police Department. The family is being supported during this difficult period.
The community reacted with a range of emotions upon hearing the tragic news. While some took to social media to express sympathy, such as one person who wrote, “Prayers for this little angel,” others were more critical, questioning whether there would be consequences for the adults involved. “Absolutely heartbreaking,” said another, while a resident commented on the state of the city, saying, “How SAD ……. ROTTENCHESTER NEEDS HELP BAAADDDD!!!!”
In the United States, dog attacks remain a significant threat, especially to young children. Statistics reveal that between 2005 and 2019, an average of 39 fatal dog attacks occurred annually, with children often being the victims. Specifically, child fatalities ranged from 12 to 20 per year within this period. In 2022, children under the age of 17 accounted for 56.7% of all dog attack fatalities, with those aged one to four representing 29.4% of these deaths. These figures underscore the vulnerability of young children to fatal dog attacks and highlight the need for increased safety measures.
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact the Rochester Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit at (585) 428-7157 or email MajorCrimes@CityofRochester.gov.