Skip to main content

RCMP officer Tony Hamori speaks to the media about the death of a newborn infant killed by a dog in Airdrie, Alta., on Feb. 16, 2012.Jeff McIntosh

The Siberian husky that bit and killed an Alberta newborn last month has been euthanized at the request of the family, Airdrie RCMP said Thursday.

Rob and Rhonda Fradette had recently brought their two-day-old son home from the hospital when one of their four dogs got close enough to bite the baby.

The newborn died in Alberta Children's Hospital 12 hours after the attack on Feb. 15.

Neither police nor the couple have revealed the circumstances of the attack, but a family friend said the animal somehow escaped from its kennel, made its way to the baby's crib and bit the infant's head.

"Having had time to reflect, search for answers and determine the best course of action for our family, we have made the decision to euthanize our family pet," the Fradettes said in a statement, "This was done under the supervision of a qualified veterinarian earlier today."

Several people had offered to adopt the animal, officials said.

The couple has a 2-and-a-half-year-old son and operates a sled dog equipment business from their Airdrie home north of Calgary.

Police have ruled out charges in the case. No negligence or criminal act was found in the course of the investigation, RCMP said.

The family asked for privacy to grieve and once again thanked emergency responders, municipal staff and hospital workers. They reiterated their request that donations be made in memory of their son to Alberta Children's Hospital. Close to $16,000 has already been raised.

Interact with The Globe