Puppy Attacks 1-Month-Old Boy's Genitals

FORT WAYNE, Ind. -- A 1-month-old boy's genitals were severely injured in an attack by the family puppy, police said.

The infant was lying next to his sleeping mother in her bed when the 6-month-old cairn terrier-poodle mix attacked Saturday. His mother had gone to bed about 6 a.m. after returning from her job delivering newspapers, police said. She was awakened about seven hours later by her 5-year-old child who wanted help with the television remote control.

She noticed her infant had been moved from his original position, his diaper was missing and he had blood on him, according to a police report.

The boy was taken to St. Joseph Hospital and was moved to Lutheran Hospital to undergo surgery. The dog was euthanized at the family's request.

Fort Wayne police spokesman Michael Joyner said the boy is doing fine, but it wasn't known how well he might recover from his injuries.

"Obviously he's got some major medical issues concerning his genitalia," he said.

A spokesman for Lutheran Hospital said Monday the boy was not listed in the hospital's directory.

Joyner didn't know why the mother would not have heard the attack other than she was so tired. No charges were expected, Joyner said.

"Preliminarily there is no reason for us to believe any concern for neglect here. It's just a tragic accident," he said.