Four-year-old Enzo Gabriel Silva Custodio died at his rented family home in Itumbiara, Brazil, this week after he and his siblings were left alone with a pit bull
A young boy was mauled to death while trying to pet his landlord’s pit bull after the animal was left alone with him and his two siblings.
Enzo Gabriel Silva Custodio, four, died on the spot from his injuries after being attacked by the dog in Itumbiara, Brazil, on July 2. His mum, 25-year-old Sabrina Silva, had left the youngster at their rented home with her two other children, aged nine and seven, as she went to work, claiming she had no where else to leave the trio. She had agreed the landlord could leave his dog with them, having believed at the time that it was tame.
Investigators believe Enzo approached the pooch while it was eating, and that the dog, feeling threatened, had launched at the young boy.
His mother found him with severe injuries when she came back home for lunch and called paramedics, who tragically declared the boy dead at the scene. His body has since been handed over to forensic experts for an autopsy, and Ms Silva has been arrested on suspicion of child neglect resulting in death.
The mum was released following a custody hearing on July 3, and is now awaiting trial. Her two other children, Enzo’s siblings, have been temporarily sent to stay with relatives.
Walter Neto, Ms Silva’s lawyer argued during the custody hearing that she was as much a victim of the tragedy, and endured the “harshest punishment of all”.
Walter Neto, said during the custody hearing: “It’s clear that Sabrina is a victim of the tragedy herself, enduring the harshest punishment of all: the loss of a child.
“We believe in justice and are confident that the right outcome will prevail.” The pit bull was seized by authorities and placed in an animal centre where it is currently under observation.
The young boy’s shock death comes just over a month after a pregnant woman was caught on CCTV in Santos, Brazil, trying to protect her golden retriever from a vicious pit bull attack.
The woman, named as Thayna Santos, placed her body between the animals and her pet as they rounded a street corner and darted at the retriever.
She was eventually helped out by neighbours, and was confirmed not to have suffered any complications as a result of the sudden attack, adding the owner “did not ask how I was”.
The expectant mum said: “I know that these breeds suffer from prejudice. But the owner did not offer help or ask how I was. Thank God, the neighbours helped me.”