It has been reported that the rescue dog was abused by its previous owner and that the dog may have been spooked by a firework going off nearby, prompting the attack.
Lexi’s mother was forced to stab the dog in order to free her child from the animal’s clutches. Neighbours said that the child was shaken ‘like a rag doll’ before being taken to hospital, later tragically dying from her injuries.
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The 4-year-old had stayed at home from school yesterday as she was poorly. She had been sleeping in her bed being comforted by her mother when the dog suddenly turned.
The girls mother, Jodi, had adopted the dog two weeks prior to the attack and she was attracted to the animal due to its ‘soft nature’ and after being told it was safe around children.
Neighbours described the girl as a happy child and said the dog did not come across as threatening or dangerous. One neighbour said: ‘I was stood talking to Jodi down across the lane and she was saying ‘he’s a lovely dog, I love him’ and he let me stroke him. I can’t understand why he went off like that.'
'It’s a terrible shock. She was a sweet little thing and used to run round here on a bike and knock on my windows… She used to play with our cats, outside. She wasn’t very big, only a little thin thing.'
The RSPCA said it was unlikely the dog was rehomed by them, commenting: ‘As the safety of children is of paramount consideration for us we would not rehome large or boisterous dogs to families with young children.'
There have been no arrests in connection with Lexi's death and police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the attack.
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