No charges laid over fatal dog attack that killed one-year-old boy

No charges will be laid over the death of a one-year-old Christchurch boy who was attacked by a dog at his home earlier this month. A police spokesperson said the death of Sonny-Charles Watson had now been referred to the coroner. The boy, who was also affectionately known as “Sunshine”, was attacked by a cross-breed dog that lived at the Basingstoke St property in Aranui on August 14. The city council said the dog was registered and had not previously come to its attention. Local Government Minister Simon Watts previously told RNZ the government was reviewing the Dog Control Act to ensure councils had the tools to manage dangerous dogs. “The news of this dog attack is devastating and my thoughts are with the child’s family and everyone affected.