'Shine bright our ray of sunshine': 1-year-old killed by dog in Christchurch named
A one-year-old boy named Sonny-Charles Watson has died following a dog attack at his home in Christchurch. The family has requested privacy while they grieve, and a community fundraising page has been established to support them.
Why it matters
The tragic incident has prompted a public outpouring of grief and highlights ongoing concerns regarding domestic safety and animal control.
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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