Yahoo Lifestyle Toddler mauled to death after neighbour's dogs dig under fence
A toddler has been mauled to death in a horrific dog attack in his own backyard as his mother fought “with all she had” to save her son.
Three-year-old Aziz Ahmed was with his mum in the yard of their home in Carteret, in the US state of New Jersey, on Tuesday March 16 when two dogs from a neighbouring property squeezed their way under the fence.
The dogs, both believed to be pit bulls, belonged to the family who lived directly behind the Ahmed family, The Sun reported.
A GoFundMe page set up to support the family said Aziz’s mother fought tirelessly to help her boy.
“2 dogs viciously attacked the boy and his mother. The young mother fought with all she had to save her little boy, despite her efforts to save her son his injuries were to [sic] severe, even with the help of first responders little Aziz could not be saved,” the crowdfunding page read.
“As for Aziz's mother she is still fighting for her life and will never full [sic] recover form [sic] the scars she now has to live with.”
Family had previously complained about the dogs
Aziz’s relatives said the boy’s parents had complained to the dog’s owners in the past, but weren’t taken seriously.
“The mother went to the neighbour two times to let her know the dog is wild. It’s out of hand. And you know, the owner laughed it off,” one relative told CBS New York.
“They dug their way in, and they weren’t provoking the dog. She constantly told the neighbours that these dogs are an issue,” another added.
Aziz’s devastated father, Tanveer, was filmed arriving at his home and breaking down at the sight of a his son’s bright red shoes in the doorway.
“If you’re not safe in your own yard, where are you safe at?” another family member said.
GoFundMe raises $80,000 in one day
The GoFundMe page was set up for the family by Coney Island Auto Parts, the workplace of Aziz’s father.
Almost US$80,000 of the US$250,000 goal had been raised in one day.
The creator of the GoFundMe said they had never met Aziz, but described his dad as a “hardworking man” who strived to give his family a “better life”.
“Tanveer is loved by his co-workers and truly an asset to the company. We’re calling upon the kindness of family, friends and strangers to help the Ahmed family in this this difficult time.”
More than 1400 donations were made in the first 24 hours, many of them strangers who were touched by the heartbreaking story.
“God bless this family and their precious boy. May he rest in peace,” one woman wrote.
“I donated even though I don't know you, but I am a mother and can't imagine what you are going thru. My condolences to you and rest of the family. I'm so sorry for ur loss. May ur little angel RIP. Praying that all goes well and a speedy recovery to his mother,” another said.
At the time of publishing no charges had been laid, though an investigation into the incident is underway.
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