No charges over Christchurch dog attack that killed young boy

No charges will be laid over the dog attack that killed a one-year-old Christchurch boy earlier this month, with the dog involved due to be euthanised this week. Sonny-Charles Watson, 1, died after being bitten by a dog at a <a href="https://www.1news.co.nz/2026/08/15/dog-removed-after-young-child-killed-in-christchurch-attack/">home in Basingstoke St, Aranui on August 14</a>. In confirming no charges would be laid, police said the death would be referred to the Coroner. Detective Senior Sergeant Dan Overend said previously that a young child was found in a critical condition at the scene. "Despite the immediate efforts of first responders and a member of the household, the child sadly died at the scene," Overend said.