Aranui dog attack: Parents pay tribute to baby boy who died after being bitten at home
The parents of a one-year-old boy who died following a dog attack in Christchurch have paid tribute to their son. Police are investigating the incident and have requested privacy for the grieving family.
Why it matters
This tragic event highlights the ongoing issue of domestic pet safety and the emotional impact of sudden, fatal accidents on local communities.
The parents of a toddler killed in a Christchurch dog attack have paid tribute to their “wee sunshine” following his tragic death at home.
Emergency services were called to an Aranui address at 4.45pm on Friday following reports a child had sustained critical injuries after being bitten by a dog.
“Despite the immediate efforts of first responders, and a member of the household, the child sadly died at the scene,” Detective Senior Sergeant Dan Overend said.
“The dog involved was known to the occupants of the address and lived at the property.”
Police have since named the boy as 1-year-old Sonny-Charles Watson.
His parents, Greg Watson and Jordan Doherty, have expressed their shock and asked for time to process what’s happened in a tribute on social media last night.
“It is with great sadness that we have lost our wee sunshine,” they wrote.
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