A heartbreaking tragedy struck a Florida family when a 5-month-old baby named Carter was killed by a family dog while being cared for by relatives. The baby’s mother had left him with his great-grandmother and great aunt to go out for dinner and celebrate her 21st birthday on Wednesday, July 30.
What Happened on the Night of the Incident?
According to Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood, the baby’s parents left him in the care of trusted relatives — his great-grandmother and great aunt — at their home. When baby Carter became fussy, the two women put him in a bedroom and closed the door, hoping he would settle down.
They then let three family dogs out of their cage to roam the house and went into the kitchen to make tea and toast. Moments later, they realized the bedroom door was open.
The great-grandmother walked in and found their 130-pound Great Dane-husky mix sitting next to Carter, who was bleeding and unresponsive. A horrific 911 call was made immediately after.
The Baby Could Not Be Saved
The baby’s parents returned home during the chaos and rushed their son to Advent Hospital in Daytona Beach, but doctors sadly pronounced him dead.
Animal Services and Dog Euthanasia Hold
Volusia County Animal Services (VCAS) took custody of the dog. The animal is now on a 10-day hold, a standard procedure that gives the family time to appeal before any decision is made about euthanizing the dog.
Sheriff’s Emotional Response
During a press conference on July 31, Sheriff Chitwood appeared visibly emotional as he described the incident as “extremely heartbreaking.” He shared that the mother will now remember her 21st birthday not with joy, but as the day her baby died.
“This is tragic all the way around,” Chitwood said. “You go out for what’s supposed to be a nice night, and you come back to your child being gone.”
He also asked the public to show kindness rather than judge the family online. “This is not the time for mean comments on social media,” he added, urging people to have empathy.
Investigation Ongoing
Sheriff Chitwood said he does not believe the great-grandmother and great aunt intended any harm. However, the case is under investigation to determine if negligence played a role in Carter’s death. No charges have been filed at this time, but officials are still reviewing the incident.
What was meant to be a joyful birthday evening turned into an unimaginable tragedy for a young Florida mother and her family. While the investigation continues, this incident serves as a painful reminder of the dangers that can arise when young children are left alone — even briefly — near animals, no matter how trusted they may be.
