Young boy dies at US zoo in wild dog pen

A child has died after falling into an African painted dog enclosure

15:27 05 November 2012

A young boy has died on Sundayin America after ending up in the pen of African wild dogs. The youngster fell into the home of African painted dogs at Pittsburgh zoo in Pittsburgh.

 

It is thought the animals are medium sized, similar to a domestic dog, and it is estimated that they weigh between 17 to 36 kilograms, according to zoo officials.

 

The President of Pittsburgh Zoo, Barbara Baker, explained that it wasn’t clear whether the boy died as a result of the fall or whether it was due to the attack from the dogs. A police investigation is thought to be underway.

 

Following the news, Ms. Baker said: “It is with great sadness and very, very heavy hearts that we report today that a small child was killed by our African painted dog pack this morning.”

 

According to a report by the BBC, Ms. Baker has said the future of the enclosure is yet to be decided upon.

 

Based on reports, many dogs were called away from the boy by zoo keepers but one dog in particular was shot dead.

 

The pen is thought to hold the second litter of this type of animal in captivity – as reported by The Telegraph – with another being in the UK.