A tragedy occurred in the Mons region, in Goegnies-Chaussée. A 7-year-old child died after a dog attack on a breeding farm run by his family.
Aodren died in Quévy after a dog attack on a breeding farm run by his family. Late Thursday afternoon, the 7-year-old child, accompanied by his mother, was attacked by “Malamute” dogs. While they were feeding the animals, the situation escalated: five of them attacked the child, for reasons still unexplained.
The mother tried to save her son by intervening. After successfully extracting him from the animals’ claws, she immediately tried to provide him with first aid. Unfortunately, the child was already dead when emergency services arrived, who could only note his death.
According to David Volant, mayor of Quévy, of which Goegnies-Chaussée is a part, the dogs were less than a year old. The shelter was, a priori, an approved establishment. “All authorizations had been given for breeding”he declared.
Although he does not provide any additional information on the exact circumstances, the Mons public prosecutor’s office has opened an investigation into manslaughter. A psychological unit was also set up to support the family as well as young people at the school where the child was. A balloon launch in tribute to Aodren is also organized this Saturday. “It’s something that affects us directly”adds the mayor.
-What will happen to the dogs?
Regarding the dogs, David Volant does not know more for the moment. “I am waiting for the legal procedure to be underway to find out if there will be a judicial seizure or if I, as mayor, will have to make an administrative seizure of the dogs,” he said.
However, he confirms the possibility that the dogs could be euthanized. “Given the seriousness of the facts, I think that there will be measures that will have to be taken. After, of course, an analysis that will be carried out by veterinarians and behaviorists.”
What is the malamute?
“The malamute is a dog with a certain character. It can be a family dog, provided you socialize it and above all, let it off steam”explains Joelle Hofmans, veterinary behaviorist. The expert, however, believes that the situation is unusual: “It’s quite surprising, especially if the child regularly went to the kennel. Logically, the dogs must have known him.”
Is this breed of dog more dangerous than another? The vet says no. “Any dog can be aggressive. Multiple factors can explain it, such as genetics, socialization, life experiences, physical health, mental health, trauma… It’s not racial, It’s individual.”she insists.
dogs Mons quévy
