A 3-month-old infant in Alabama lost its life after being attacked by a “wolf-hybrid” maintained as a pet by the family, as reported by the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office.
On Thursday around 12:54 p.m., emergency responders, including sheriff’s deputies, firefighters, and county animal control officers, were dispatched following a 911 call regarding an apparent animal attack on a baby at a residence in Chelsea, according to the sheriff’s office’s news release.
Despite being rushed to a hospital, the infant succumbed to injuries believed to be inflicted by the family pet, described as a wolf-hybrid, a canine with a mix of wolf and dog ancestry. The family was aware of the wolf lineage in the dog, confirmed Shelby County Coroner Lina Evans to CNN on Saturday.
In response to law enforcement’s request, the animal was euthanized at the scene and subsequently transported to the Alabama State Diagnostics Laboratory.
The incident is currently under investigation, and an autopsy will be conducted, as stated by Evans.
Expressing condolences, Chelsea Mayor Tony Picklesimer remarked in a Friday statement, “We are deeply saddened by this unfortunate and tragic event. We lift up the family and all those affected with our deepest prayers and thoughts.”
Providing additional remarks to CNN, Picklesimer pointed out that Alabama is one of only four states permitting the ownership of exotic pets.
