Edmonton dog attack that killed B.C. boy will be investigated: Mayor

Edmonton’s mayor is pledging to look into a dog attack that left an 11-year-old B.C. boy dead earlier this week.

Police have said they were called to a home in Edmonton’s south just before 8 p.m. for reports that two dogs had attacked a child. When they arrived, officers found the 11-year-old, who was severely injured, and the two canines.

Despite first responders’ efforts, the child did not survive and died at the scene. The owner of the dogs lives in the house and the boy had been visiting, police said.

On Wednesday, Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi said the city will review previous complaints made to animal control officials about the two dogs to determine if there were any gaps in how they were handled.

“It’s just unbelievable, unimaginable. I just can’t imagine the pain and suffering and anxiety the family’s going through,” he said.

The city says animal control officers had been called to the home about two other attacks earlier this year and that there was a history of complaints over incessant barking, resulting in warnings and one ticket.

Police have not said whether the dogs’ owner would be charged in connection with the fatality.

Osoyoos Elementary students, staff receiving support: district

Marcus Toneatto, superintendent of the Okanagan-Similkameen school district, said support workers have been sent to Osoyoos Elementary School, where the boy attended Grade 5.

“The district’s critical incident team was immediately gathered, notified of the situation, and developed a response plan to support students and staff at the school. Due to the nature of this tragedy and the young age of the student and their peers, the school and district are asking for privacy, and for the family, who is now dealing with their loss,” he said.

“We want to send our heartfelt condolences to the family.”

-With files from Cole Fortner