Queens, NY – May 29, 2025 – A devastating incident has left a New York City family and their community in shock after the family’s pet dog fatally attacked their newborn baby while she slept in bed between her parents. The tragic event, which occurred in the early hours of May 27, has raised urgent questions about pet safety, parental supervision, and the unpredictable nature of animal behavior.
The Horrific Discovery
At approximately 6:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 27, a mother in the Queensbridge Houses, a public housing complex in Long Island City, awoke to a scene of unimaginable horror. Her six-week-old infant, who had been sleeping in bed between her and her stepfather, was being viciously attacked by the family’s German Shepherd-Pit Bull mix puppy, also just six weeks old.
According to law enforcement sources, the mother immediately screamed for help and dialed 911. Emergency responders arrived swiftly, but the baby had already sustained severe facial injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Neighbors Recount the Chaos
Witnesses described a scene of panic and despair as first responders rushed to the family’s apartment.
“I heard the mother screaming, and then the police came running in,” said Shanel Norville, a neighbor who lives in the same building. “It was chaos. No one could believe what had happened.”
Norville revealed that she had previously warned the mother about the dog’s behavior. Just two days before the tragedy, she had encountered the mother and her infant in an elevator—along with the unleashed puppy.
“The dog walked into the elevator by itself, no leash, just roaming around,” Norville recalled. “I told her, ‘This dog needs to be on a leash.’ She said, ‘No, he doesn’t bite.’ But I told her, ‘All dogs can bite. You have to be careful, especially with a baby.’ She just ignored me.”
Parents’ Account Raises Questions
A close friend of the mother spoke anonymously to reporters, recounting the mother’s distraught explanation of the events.
“She told me, ‘We were sleeping right there, next to the baby. When I woke up, the dog was… chewing on her face,’” the friend said. “I asked her, ‘How could you not hear the baby crying? How did you not wake up?’ She just kept saying, ‘We were right there. We didn’t hear anything.’”
The friend expressed disbelief, questioning how the parents could have slept through such a violent attack.
Dog Seized, Investigation Underway
The NYPD and Animal Control swiftly took custody of the dog, which is currently being held for behavioral evaluation. Authorities have not yet determined whether the dog will be euthanized.
Meanwhile, the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) and child welfare agencies are investigating whether negligence played a role in the tragedy. Key questions include:
- Why was the dog allowed to sleep unrestrained near a newborn?
- Had the puppy shown any prior signs of aggression?
- Should the parents face criminal charges for failure to protect their child?
Community Reacts with Grief and Anger
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the Queensbridge Houses, one of the largest public housing complexes in the country. Neighbors described the family as loving and attentive, making the incident even more difficult to comprehend.
“They were good people. They loved that baby,” said one resident. “But a puppy and a newborn in the same bed? That’s just not safe.”
Experts Warn About Pets and Infants
Animal behaviorists and pediatricians have long warned about the dangers of co-sleeping with pets, especially large or energetic breeds.
- Dogs, even puppies, can act unpredictably, especially in high-stress environments.
- Newborns are vulnerable—unable to move away or cry loud enough to wake parents in some cases.
- Supervision is critical—no dog, regardless of breed or temperament, should be left alone with an infant.
A Preventable Tragedy?
- Leash and containment policies – Should NYCHA enforce stricter pet regulations?
- Parental education – Do new parents receive enough guidance on pet safety?
Moving Forward
For now, the focus remains on supporting the grieving family and ensuring such a tragedy never happens again. The infant’s death serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the fragility of life—and the importance of vigilance when pets and children share a home.
Authorities urge anyone with pets and young children to:
Never allow pets to sleep in the same bed as infants.
Always supervise interactions between animals and babies.
Seek professional training for pets exhibiting any signs of aggression.
