Newborn Killed in Apparent Dog Mauling in Novi

Family dog blamed for attack on 5-day-old baby girl

Mar. 17, 2026 at 10:35pm

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A tragic incident occurred in Novi, Michigan, where a 5-day-old newborn baby girl was killed in an apparent dog attack at the family's mobile home. Police were called to the scene and found the baby with puncture wounds consistent with a dog attack. The family dog, a mixed breed of average size, has been taken by animal control, and its fate will depend on the outcome of the investigation.

Why it matters

This heartbreaking incident raises concerns about the safety of newborns around family pets, even those that have been raised around other children. It also highlights the need for vigilance and proper precautions when introducing a new baby to the household.

The details

According to police, the attack occurred late Tuesday morning at the Oakland Glens Trailer Park off 13 Mile Road. A family member found the baby girl in her bassinet with puncture wounds and called the authorities. The family dog, a mixed breed of average size, has been taken by Oakland County Animal Control, and its fate will depend on the investigation's outcome.

  • The incident occurred late Tuesday morning.

The players

Novi Police

The local law enforcement agency that responded to the incident and is investigating the case.

Oakland County Animal Control

The agency that has taken custody of the family dog involved in the attack.

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What they’re saying

“He came out briefly and told me the bassinet was there and the baby was asleep in it and the dog who they raised around other kids, for some reason, knocked the bassinet over and killed the baby before they could get to them.”

— Ellyn, Grandmother of the baby girl

“He thinks the dog did it just to attack the baby. But the dog's been raised with - he's got other toddlers in there. So we don't know what actually happened other than the dog snapped out right in front of everyone.”

— Ellyn, Grandmother of the baby girl

What’s next

The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and the fate of the family dog will depend on the findings.

The takeaway

This tragic event underscores the importance of vigilance and caution when introducing a newborn to a household with pets, even those that have been raised around children. It serves as a somber reminder of the need for proactive measures to ensure the safety of vulnerable infants.