No Charges Laid Over Fatal Christchurch Dog Attack on 1-Year-Old Boy

No charges will be brought against the owner of a dog that fatally attacked a one-year-old boy in Christchurch, New Zealand earlier this month. Sonny-Charles Watson died on August 14 after being bitten at a home in Aranui.

Police Confirm No Charges, Dog to be Euthanized

New Zealand police have determined that no criminal charges will be filed in connection with the tragic incident. The case will instead be referred to the Coroner for further investigation.

According to Detective Senior Sergeant Dan Overend, emergency responders and a member of the household attempted to save the child, but Sonny-Charles Watson sadly passed away at the scene.

Details of the Incident and the Dog

The dog involved, a crossbreed, was known to the family and lived at the address where the attack occurred. Christchurch City Council confirmed the dog is currently being held at its animal shelter and is scheduled to be euthanized this week.

Previously, the council stated the dog was registered and had not previously come to their attention.

Parents' Tribute to Their Son

Sonny-Charles Watson's parents, in a statement released through police, described their son as the light of everyone's life, a beautiful and loving child who brought joy to all those around him.

In a social media post, they wrote, 'Fly high sunshine. Love you forever.' The family is asking for time to grieve their 'wee sunshine'.