A tragic incident took place in Duncanville, Texas, on April 15, 2024, when a one-year-old toddler, Shiraz Asirvadam, was fatally attacked by three dogs at his babysitter’s residence.
According to the Duncanville Police Department, the babysitter, who was the homeowner, had four dogs. The three dogs involved in the fatal event were German Shepherd mixes, as identified by the Duncanville Animal Control. The dogs included a male weighing around 100 pounds and two females, each weighing approximately 80 pounds.
The dogs, initially secured in a specific area, somehow made their way inside the house where they launched the attack on the toddler. The babysitter tried to intervene, resulting in her getting injured in the process.
Emergency responders were on the scene by 10:40 a.m., providing immediate aid to the unresponsive child. However, the toddler was declared dead upon arrival at the Children’s Medical Center in Dallas.
After the incident, the three dogs were taken into custody by Duncanville Animal Control. They are now in quarantine, pending the owner’s surrender of the dogs or a legal decision to label them as “Dangerous Dogs.” The ongoing investigation is also scrutinizing if the homeowner was operating an unregistered daycare facility. At the time of the incident, three other children were present in the home. Texas Health and Human Services has confirmed that the residence lacks a daycare license.
Duncanville Police, in collaboration with the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office and the victim’s family, are considering potential criminal charges. In a recent statement, the police have refrained from commenting on possible charges until consultations are finalized, out of respect for the victim’s family.
Interim Chief of Duncanville Police, Matthew Stogner, highlighted the severity of the incident and praised the swift response of the officers who attempted to save the toddler’s life.
David Trout, the brother of the homeowner’s ex-husband, portrayed her as a kind-hearted person who has cared for children in her neighborhood for years without any prior incidents. “She’s a sweetheart. She means well. She’s taken care of kids down there forever without any problems,” Trout expressed to local media, expressing his grief over the incident.
Local community reactions are of shock and sorrow, with residents expressing concern over the presence of large dogs around small children. As the investigation progresses, Duncanville Police are working with local authorities to determine future steps, which may include changes in regulations regarding pet ownership and daycare operations.
