Pit bull supporters say deadly attack on girl in Visalia was ‘an anomaly’

VISALIA, Calif. ( KSEE/KGPE ) – The 4-year-old victim of a deadly dog attack in Visalia has been identified as Zoey Hawkins, according to the family.

Visalia Police say the little girl was attacked by their family pit bull just after 8 p.m. Wednesday night, on West Monte Vista Avenue in Visalia.

“The 4-year-old had just finished swimming and was inside the home when the incident occurred. Despite immediate medical attention and being transported to the hospital, she sadly passed away,” said Liz Jones with Visalia Police.

Jones says police detectives discovered no signs of neglect or criminal activity at the home where officers responded. They say it was just an unexpected and devastating incident.

“It was the family dog. And it did not have any violent behavior or any violent attacks prior to this,” said Jones.

According to Jones, the dog was euthanized at the request of Zoey’s family.

Police did not elaborate on what exactly led up to the incident, but the Fresno Bully Rescue, which specializes in finding homes for pit bulls and other “bully breeds” says without the facts, no blame can be put on the family.

However, they add this is just one painful example of why dog owners should always watch their dog around any small child.

“It absolutely can happen with any dog and any young child,” said Becky Holly, a member of the board of directors for the Fresno Bully Rescue. “Family dog, you love the dog, it’s there all the time, you assume it’s safe, but it’s still a dog. So, I think supervision around young children is incredibly important.”

Holly says owners should also watch for signs of stress in a dog. Those include over-excitement, a stiff body, the whites of the eyes showing, or panting when temperatures are cool.

Under the Visalia Police Facebook post announcing the fatal attack, many comments can be seen criticizing pit bulls and those who own them. Holly says they’re not any more dangerous than any other dog.

“This is an anomaly. It’s not the rule. These dogs are strong. They’re not for everyone and I suggest training for everyone,” she said. “But any large dog, even a medium-sized dog is capable of doing some damage to a four-year-old child or any small child.”

To donate to the family of 4-year-old Zoey Hawkins to help with funeral expenses, click here.

For more resources on dog safety around children, including “bully breeds”, and the Fresno Bully Rescue visit the Fresno Bully Rescue website.

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