An 18-month-old girl was killed by a pit bull inside her family’s home in Newark, New Jersey on Tuesday evening, September 3, 2024.
The incident occurred at a residence on Second Avenue near Wakeman Avenue. According to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, the toddler was in the care of a teenager when she wandered away and encountered the dog. The child was rushed to University Hospital in Newark but was pronounced dead shortly before 7 p.m.
Thomas S. Fennelly, the chief assistant prosecutor, stated, “The investigation is continuing, and an autopsy will determine the official cause and manner of death.”
No charges have been filed as of now, and it remains unclear who owned the dog or how many dogs were involved in the attack. CBS New York reported that four dogs were taken from the home by Newark Animal Control and placed in quarantine.
The home where the incident took place reportedly had a “Beware of Dog” sign displayed outside, raising questions about the animals’ temperaments.
Neighbor Kawhon Jahyne expressed his shock to local media, saying, “They tell me today that these people have an 18-month-old baby that a pit bull or ferocious dog ripped apart. That’s the most horrific thing that can happen to anyone on earth.” As news of the incident spread, local residents gathered near the scene, visibly shaken by the tragedy that had unfolded in their neighborhood.
The prosecutor’s office has not yet conducted thorough interviews with the family members due to their extreme distress over the loss of the child.
This incident follows a similar event in East Orange, New Jersey just seven days earlier. On August 28, a pit bull that had been caged at a home near Tremont Avenue became agitated upon release and attacked a 22-month-old toddler. When two other children and an adult in the home attempted to intervene, the dog also turned on them. Responding police officers were forced to end the attack by fatally shooting the dog. These back-to-back pit bull attacks have reignited discussions about local ordinances regarding dangerous dogs and the responsibilities of pet owners, prompting a closer examination of current policies and practices.
As the investigation continues, authorities urge anyone with information about the incident to come forward. The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office works closely with Newark police to gather all relevant details and determine if any negligence contributed to the tragic outcome.