Boy, 11, killed in dog attack on south Edmonton home: police

The south Edmonton home where an 11-year-old boy was attacked and killed by two large dogs on Monday had already been visited twice this year by Animal Control peace officers investigating other dog attack complaints.

“In 2024, Animal Control peace officers responded to two attack complaints isolated to the private residence,” a spokesperson for the City of Edmonton said in a statement Tuesday afternoon.

“One complaint remains under investigation, while the other has been closed without charges being filed.”

Last year, animal control officers also responded to the same address for “multiple barking complaints that resulted in warnings and a ticket,” the statement said.

The police are investigating the boy’s death.

Officers responded to a report of a dog attack at a home in the area of ​​82nd Street and 11th Avenue SW around 8 p.m. Monday, Edmonton police said in a news release.

Police found a seriously injured boy who had been “attacked by two very large dogs,” the news release said.

Police attempted life-saving measures until emergency services arrived.

The child was pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy is scheduled for Wednesday.

Police said the child was visiting a home in the Summerside neighborhood and the dogs belonged to a person who lived at the home.

The dogs were seized by Animal Control peace officers and are currently at the Animal Care and Control Center.

Edmonton City Council increased funding to address animal-related issues and complaints in April 2023.

“Since then, the city has taken significant steps to address and investigate dog attacks and banned dogs,” the city said in its statement.

“A dedicated five-member animal licensing team has been formed and is now focused on educating the public on the importance of licensing, restricted dog licensing and enforcing licensing compliance.”

“A key aspect of their work is to monitor and follow up on restricted and dangerous dogs (dogs with recorded dog attacks), categorize them separately and take action to prevent future incidents.”