Dogs kill seven-year-old boy on Wallonia family farm

Five dogs have fatally attacked a seven-year-old boy at a family farm in Goegnies-Chaussée (Quévy), Hainaut province, and have since been killed with the agreement of the family.

The little boy was feeding the malamutes on the family farm with his mother when he was attacked by the farm dogs for an unknown reason.

The mother tried to intervene and managed to bring her son to safety and administer first aid, but he died before emergency services could arrive.

The Mons-Quévy police were called to the scene and a manslaughter investigation has been opened. The Mons public prosecutor's office confirmed the facts without commenting further on the case.

“The dogs, which had been seen by two behavioural vets, presented a clear risk to public safety,” said David Volant, mayor of Quévy.

“It's a tragedy that affects a family, but it's also a tragedy that affects the whole of Quévy and its inhabitants.

"The first thing I would like to say is that, on my behalf and on behalf of the local council, our thoughts are with the family affected by this tragic event."

A psychological unit has been set up to help the community process the tragedy.

“We’ve arranged for a PMS (Psycho-Medico-Social) centre to come and listen to the children in the class of the little boy,” said Volant.

“There is also a police support unit for the family. We'll be setting up a support scheme for anyone who wants it.”

The malamute breed of dog is not on Belgium's list of dangerous dogs. But a dog behaviourist contacted by RTBF said these sled dogs live in packs and can behave "very dominantly".

Photo: Pleple2000/Wikimedia. Licensed under Creative Commons