5-month-old Florida boy killed by 130-pound dog
A 5-month-old boy in Ormond Beach has died after being attacked by a dog, officials said. The boy was being watched by family members while his parents went out to celebrate the mom’s 21st birthday, Sheriff Mike Chitwood said.
VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – A 5-month-old boy was killed by a 130-pound dog Wednesday night near Ormond Beach, according to Volusia Sheriff Mike Chitwood.
Investigators said the baby was being watched by family members while the boy’s parents went out for dinner to celebrate the young mother’s 21st birthday.
The dog has since been euthanized, officials said.
What happened?
What we know:
Deputies with the Volusia Sheriff’s Office (VSO) responded to a 911 call at 9:49 p.m. Wednesday at a home on the 1700 block of Carolina Avenue.
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When deputies arrived at the scene, they said 5-month-old Carter was found injured in a bedroom with a 2-year-old, 130-pound Great Dane-husky mix dog next to him.
Chitwood said Carter was in the care of his great-grandmother and great-aunt while his parents were out for the mother of the boy’s birthday dinner. Officials said the family members put the infant in the bedroom after he was being fussy and closed the bedroom door.
The great-aunt then let her three dogs out of their kennels while she made tea and toast in the kitchen, investigators said. When she came back, she saw the bedroom door had been opened by the Great Dane. That’s when deputies said she found Carter “bleeding and lifeless.”
The infant’s parents returned home during the call and rushed the baby to the hospital, officials say. Despite efforts to save him, the baby died from his injuries.
Volusia County Animal Services (VCAS) has now taken possession of the dog, and it is being held in quarantine. There is a 10-day hold on the dog, and the family can then appeal if they want before the dog can be euthanized.
Sheriff: Dog kills 5-month-old baby in Volusia County
A 5-month-old boy was killed by a dog Wednesday night near Ormond Beach, according to Volusia Sheriff Mike Chitwood. Volusia County Animal Services (VCAS) has now taken possession of the dog. The investigation remains active and ongoing.
Officials: Dog deemed a ‘dangerous’ dog, euthanized on Thursday
A spokesperson for Volusia County Animal Services confirmed to FOX 35 late Thursday that the dog was euthanized on Thursday afternoon.
Randa Matusiak, the director of Volusia County Public Protection, which oversees the Animal Services Division, told news outlets and reporters that the Great Dane/Husky Mix, was taken into possession on Wednesday night, where it would be placed in quarantine for up to 10 days.
Volusia County dog attack: Officials share next steps
A 5-month-old boy was killed by a 130-pound dog Wednesday night near Ormond Beach, according to Volusia Sheriff Mike Chitwood. Randa Matusiak, director of public protection in Volusia County, said dog attacks are “rare occurrences” in the area. She shared details on what steps could come next.
The dog was deemed “dangerous,” which allows officials to euthanize the dog. The dog’s owners can appeal the decision within 10 days.
Animal Services said the family did not appeal and surrendered the dog.
“During this difficult time, we ask that the community respect the privacy of the family affected by this tragic loss. Volusia County will continue to work tirelessly to serve the public safety needs of the community and its animals,” VSAS said in a statement.
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‘Extremely heartbreaking’
What they’re saying:
Chitwood was seen trying to compose himself as he got emotional at several points during the press conference. He asked the public to be compassionate and to be patient while detectives continue to investigate.
“This young mother will remember on her birthday that her child is dead,” he said. “It is so, so, so tragic. This was supposed to be a great night, and now I just can’t imagine how anyone in this family feels.”
Randa Matusiak, director of public protection in Volusia County, said no calls were previously made relating to the house’s location. She said dog attacks are “rare occurrences” in the area.
“It is a tragic accident,” she said. “It’s difficult, because any dog has the potential of doing some harm. It’s important to be aware of the dog when it’s in your house, to understand dog behavior, to make sure you’re properly socializing that dog and monitoring it.”
The Source: This story was written based on information shared by the Volusia Sheriff’s Office (VSO) in a press conference on July 31, 2025.