Police are now able to release the name of the young child who died following an incident at a property in Aranui.
He was Sonny-Charles Watson, aged one.
Sonny’s parents have shared the following message:
“Sonny was not just the light of our lives but everyone he came in contact with. The most beautiful little boy, full of love and laughter for everyone. Shine bright our ray of sunshine.”
“Police extend their deepest sympathies to Sonny’s family, friends, and all those who knew and loved him during this immensely difficult time”, said Detective Senior Sergeant Daniel Overend.
“The loss of a child is a tragedy beyond words, and we continue to support Sonny’s family as they navigate this unimaginable loss. We ask that their privacy be respected as they grieve.
“Out of respect for the family, Police encourage members of the public and media to allow them the time and space they need and to refrain from speculation surrounding the circumstances of this incident.”
I am so sorry for their loss. Just absolutely devastating. They looked like a loving and sweet family so I am gutted for them.
HOWEVER
A Quick Look online led me to an account showing the dog. Can’t see the head exactly but unfortunately looked like a pit bull or Sharpei type dog. Both breeds have notoriously bad reputations as being high risk around children.
My parents had multiple sheep killed by a neighbours stupid Sharpei dogs. These neighbours had already been banned as owners but somehow managed to get more dogs and were selling puppies on trademe. Their dogs had already killed llamas rabbits and other pets from a childcare facility across the road and the council hadn’t checked on them.
I told the council in no uncertain terms they would be paying ALL Amy parents costs and losses plus their other neighbours who also lost sheep, that I would expect a lifetime ban for the dog owners, regular checks and destruction of all remaining dogs otherwise there would be hell to pay. The risk of the dogs attacking the child at the daycare had been completely overlooked despite animals having been killed. And yet they STILL got out and created more carnage.
I see more owners have been charged in tauranga over menacing dogs. In my view all dog owners should need a licence. Dangerous breeds should be permanently BANNED including Rottweilers mastiffs sharpeis etc.
Still you can’t stop all dogs attacking. Keep dogs outside away from small children for a start.
All dog owners even idiots who own those stupid little yappers should need a licence and checking with respect to their neighbours if the dog is kept under control and quiet. We have idiots on both sides, one with yappy poodles and the other with bichon and a greyhound. NONE a of these dogs are ever walked and we have had to endure YEARS z of barking yapping yelling etc etc etc. these people should NOT an own a dog.
Oh and I have owned dogs myself and done a damn fine job of it too. Lovely animals and so well looked after that one of my neighbours said our last dog was the best dog who ever lived in the street in over 40 years!
Anyway none of it brings back little Sonny. What a shame his parents chose to own a bully dog.
Every single thing you say it true. I had rottweillers and while a great guard dog, they were hard to handle around strangers. They would give a strong man a good fight and possibly win. A woman is not strong enough to restrain them. If it is her dog they are gentle, loyal and protective but she will not be strong enough to stop an attack. I loved them. Bully dogs and the others you mentioned should absolutely be banned (including rotties as much as I am fond of them) because a bad owner makes them a bad dog. Also, bully dogs are being interbred with other bad breeds and you end up with an unidentifiable mongrel with crazy eyes and murderous schizo breakouts in spite of all the good training put into it.
A person can hardly walk the streets of towns and cities in this country now, for fear of being rushed by some dog which is determined to escape its confines. All dogs should be muzzled when outside. Not that this is going to protect the children of the house.
One point though – the nastiest dog I ever met was a cocker spaniel. Just like his owner. So you just never know. Hence the muzzle law is best protection even for chihuahuas.