Following the deadly mauling of a 9-year-old kid on an Indian reservation last week by a pack of feral dogs, South Dakota law enforcement is conducting an investigation.
The youngster, whose name has not yet been made public, was discovered in Eagle Butte next to a bike with injuries that “may have contributed to his death,” according to a statement released over the weekend by Ryman LeBeaf, chairman of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe.
Located on the Cheyenne River Reservation in Dewey and Ziebach counties, the city is roughly 165 miles northeast of Rapid City.
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Police were called to a complaint of a person on the ground on Friday, according to Charles L. Red Crow, the chief of police for the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe.
According to Crow, the youngster was found unconscious and covered in many injuries that appeared to be bite marks from an animal by the responding cops.
The boy’s family later identified him, according to the chief.
“We discovered that there were four dogs that attacked and killed him,” Crow stated Wednesday.
Whether any of the dogs that took part in the attack were found was not immediately known.
“With heavy hearts, we confirm that this Wakanyeja lost his life due to an attack by several feral dogs,’ the police department posted. “Our hearts are heavy and our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends that have suffered this tragedy.”
The child’s cause of death will be determined via autopsy
According to Crow’s statement, the boy’s cause of death was an animal assault, as shown by the autopsy that was finished on Tuesday.
On social media, the department posted condolences following the boy’s death.
“Prayers for this little boy who journeyed to the spirit world way too soon, to his family and friends left to mourn his passing and to the entire Cheyenne River Nation as we come to grips with this devastating tragedy,” according to one Facebook user.
Animal control will patrol to find dogs that are not leashed
Following the attack, LeBeau revised the release to include a statement that animal control personnel would be sent to retrieve both collared and uncollared animals that were not in a fenced yard or tied up.
Collared animals at the local animal shelter will be held for 72 hours before they “would be processed.”
