Current:Home > reviewsPack of feral dogs fatally maul 9-year-old South Dakota boy, officials say -ProfitPioneers Hub
Pack of feral dogs fatally maul 9-year-old South Dakota boy, officials say
View
Date:2025-04-17 21:47:11
Law enforcement in South Dakota are investigating after a pack of feral dogs fatally mauled a 9-year-old boy on an Indian reservation last week.
The boy, whose identity has not yet been released, was found beside a bike in the city of Eagle Butte suffering from injuries that “may have contributed to his death," Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Chairman Ryman LeBeaf wrote in a statement released over the weekend.
The city is in Dewey and Ziebach counties on the Cheyenne River Reservation about 165 miles northeast of Rapid City.
Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe police Chief Charles L. Red Crow told USA TODAY officers were dispatched on Friday to a report of a male on the ground. Arriving officers, Crow said, found the boy unresponsive with multiple injuries to his body consistent with animal bite marks.
The boy was later identified by family, the chief said.
"We discovered that there were four dogs that attacked and killed him," Crow said Wednesday.
It was not immediately known if any of the dogs involved in the attack were located.
"With heavy hearts, we confirm that this Wakanyeja lost his life due to an attack by several feral dogs,' the police department posted on its Facebook page. "Our hearts are heavy and our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends that have suffered this tragedy."
Bears paws cut clean off:Black bear found with all four paws cut off, stolen in Northern California
Autopsy to determine child's cause of death
An autopsy was completed on Tuesday, Crow said, and the preliminary results show the boy's cause of death was due to an animal attack.
News of the boy's death drew condolences on the department's social media post.
"Prayers for this little boy who journeyed to the spirit world way too soon, to his family and friends left to mourn his passing and to the entire Cheyenne River Nation as we come to grips with this devastating tragedy," one Facebook user posted.
Another person posted: "A preventable tragedy! My heart goes out to this little boy and his family."
Discovery inside 'tumble-ready hideout':Man wanted in Florida shooting found by police folded in dryer
"We mourn with all relatives impacted," LeBeau wrote in the statement.
Animal control to patrol looking for dogs off leash
As a result of the attack, in an updated release, LeBeau wrote animal control officers would be dispatched to pick up collared and uncollared animals not tied up, tethered or in a fenced yard.
Collared animals will be held for 72 hour at the local animal shelter then "would be processed."
Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.
veryGood! (7828)
Related
- Selena Gomez's "Weird Uncles" Steve Martin and Martin Short React to Her Engagement
- This cursed season should finally put the 'NFL is scripted' conspiracies to rest
- Philippines leader Marcos’ visit to Hawaii boosts US-Philippines bond and recalls family history
- 'There's people that need water.' Taylor Swift pauses Eras show in Rio to help fans
- 'Squid Game' without subtitles? Duolingo, Netflix encourage fans to learn Korean
- In barely getting past Maryland, Michigan raises questions for upcoming Ohio State clash
- 41 workers remain trapped in tunnel in India for seventh day as drilling operations face challenges
- 5-year-old boy fatally stabs twin brother in California
- Rams vs. 49ers highlights: LA wins rainy defensive struggle in key divisional game
- Miss Universe 2023 Winner Is Miss Nicaragua Sheynnis Palacios
Ranking
- Hackers hit Rhode Island benefits system in major cyberattack. Personal data could be released soon
- Love long strolls in the cemetery? This 19th-century NJ church for sale could be your home
- Jordan’s foreign minister offers blistering criticism of Israel as its war on Hamas rages on
- Estonia’s Kallas is reelected to lead party despite a scandal over husband’s Russia business ties
- Alex Murdaugh’s murder appeal cites biased clerk and prejudicial evidence
- Romania clinches Euro 2024 spot with 2-1 victory over Israel
- Want to rent a single-family home? Here's where it's most affordable.
- French Holocaust survivors are recoiling at new antisemitism, and activists are pleading for peace
Recommendation
Newly elected West Virginia lawmaker arrested and accused of making terroristic threats
Miss Nicaragua Sheynnis Palacios wins Miss Universe crown
Extreme weather can hit farmers hard. Those with smaller farming operations often pay the price
Secondary tickets surge for F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, but a sellout appears unlikely
Buckingham Palace staff under investigation for 'bar brawl'
The Truth About Those Slaps and More: 15 Secrets About Monster-In-Law
These Are The Best Holiday Decorations Under $25 Whatever Style You're After
Last of 4 men who escaped from a Georgia jail last month is caught