Boy, 11, killed in dog attack at south Edmonton home: police
The south Edmonton home where an 11-year-old boy was attacked and killed by two large dogs on Monday had been visited twice previously this year by Animal Control peace officers investigating other complaints of dog attacks.
"In 2024, Animal Control peace officers responded to two attack complaints isolated to inside the private residence," a City of Edmonton spokesperson said in a statement Tuesday afternoon.
"One complaint is still under investigation while the other was concluded without charges."
In the past year, animal control officers also responded to the same address for "multiple barking complaints which resulted in warnings and one ticket," the statement said.
Police are investigating the boy's death.
Officers responded to a report of a dog attack at a home in the area of 82nd Street and 11th Avenue S.W. around 8 p.m. Monday, the Edmonton Police Service said in a news release.
Police found a severely injured boy who "had been attacked by two very large dogs," the news release said.
Police attempted life-saving measures until emergency medical services arrived.
The child was declared dead on scene. An autopsy has been scheduled for Wednesday.
Police said the child was visiting a home in the Summerside neighbourhood and that the dogs belong to a person who lives at the home.
The dogs were seized by Animal Control peace officers and are currently at the Animal Care and Control Centre.
Edmonton city council boosted funding for addressing animal-related issues and complaints in April 2023.
"Since then, the city has taken significant steps to address and investigate dog attacks and restricted dogs," the city said in its statement.
"A dedicated Animal Licensing Team comprising five members was formed which now focuses on public education regarding the importance of licensing, restricted dog licensing and enforcing compliance with licensing regulations.
"A key aspect of their work involves monitoring and following up on restricted and dangerous dogs (dogs with dog attack records), categorizing them separately and implementing measures to prevent future incidents."
