In a devastating incident on Monday night, two “very large dogs” fatally attacked an 11-year-old boy in southeast Edmonton, according to police reports.
The Edmonton Police Service responded to a distress call regarding a dog attack in a residence near 82 Street and 11 Avenue S.W. just before 8 p.m. Upon arrival, officers found the child severely injured from the attack. Despite their efforts to administer lifesaving measures, emergency medical services ultimately declared the boy deceased.
Authorities seized the dogs involved in the attack, which belonged to a resident of the home the boy was visiting at the time.
An investigation into the tragic event is underway, with an autopsy scheduled for Wednesday to further understand the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Chris Webster, a spokesperson for the City of Edmonton, confirmed that the animal control department had received complaints about the dogs in the past. “In the past year, animal control officers responded to multiple barking complaints which resulted in warnings and one ticket,” Webster stated in an email to CTV News Edmonton. “In 2024, animal control peace officers responded to two attack complaints isolated to inside the private residence. One complaint is still under investigation while the other was concluded without charges.”
As the investigation continues and the community mourns the loss of the young victim, the dogs remain in custody under the supervision of animal control authorities.