Two Child Dog Attack Incidents Prompt Safety Warnings in Des Moines

Toddler seriously injured, infant killed in separate dog bite incidents in Iowa capital

Apr. 7, 2026 at 8:26pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a dog's paw print in the dirt, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the aftermath of a violent dog attack incident.The aftermath of a dog attack leaves behind unsettling evidence of the dangers young children can face around pets.Des Moines Today

In the span of just a few days, two separate dog attack incidents involving young children have occurred in Des Moines, Iowa, leaving a toddler with serious facial injuries and an infant dead. The incidents have prompted renewed calls from authorities for caregivers to closely supervise interactions between children and pets and be aware of animal behavior.

Why it matters

These tragic incidents highlight the real dangers that young children can face around dogs, even in seemingly safe environments like a hotel or home. They underscore the need for greater education and vigilance among parents and caregivers to prevent similar attacks in the future.

The details

In the first incident on Tuesday, a 2-year-old child was seriously injured after being bitten in the face by a dog at a Des Moines hotel. According to police, the dog had been sleeping when it was startled by the child immediately before the bite. The child was taken to a local hospital with serious facial injuries but is expected to survive. The dog was impounded, but no charges have been filed as the investigation continues. Just days earlier, on April 3rd, an infant died after being attacked by two dogs, described as a shepherd mix and a terrier/bulldog, in an apartment in Des Moines. First responders found the infant unresponsive, and the child was pronounced dead at the scene. Detectives are continuing to investigate that case and are awaiting autopsy results.

  • On April 3, officers and medics responded to a reported cardiac arrest at an apartment where a dog had injured an infant, who was later pronounced dead.
  • On April 5, police and fire department medics responded to a hotel where a 2-year-old child was seriously injured after being bitten in the face by a dog.

The players

Des Moines Police Department

The local law enforcement agency investigating both dog attack incidents.

Des Moines Fire Department

The local fire department that responded to the incidents along with police.

Animal Rescue League of Iowa

The organization that has resources on its website about preventing and avoiding dog bites.

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What’s next

Detectives with the Des Moines Police Department's Special Victims Section are continuing to investigate the fatal incident involving the infant and are awaiting forensic evidence, including autopsy results. No charges have been filed in either case so far.

The takeaway

These back-to-back incidents in Des Moines serve as a stark reminder of the importance of closely supervising young children around dogs and being aware of animal behavior and warning signs. Caregivers must remain vigilant to help prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.