Sunderland Dog Attack: 3-Week-Old Baby Reggie Dead When Parents Return Home From Funeral, Child Mauled To Death By Family Dog

A family in Sunderland is “trying to cope” with the death of their 3-week-old baby boy, who was mauled by the family dog inside their own home while they were attending a funeral of a loved one. Reggie Backlin was rushed to the hospital after he was found, but the doctors were unable to save his life. His parents, Maria and Ryan Blacklin, were devastated at the loss of their son. An unnamed 30-year-old man was tasked with watching baby Reggie while his parents were at the funeral. He has been arrested in connection with the death and failing to prevent the tragedy from happening.

According to the Daily Mail, Reggie was at home with the 30-year-old man and the family dog. Tricky is a Patterdale Terrier and was never left alone with Reggie. While the parents were away, the unnamed babysitter allowed Tricky and Reggie to be in the same area together where the incident occurred. The babysitter, however, was not aware of the attack or Reggie’s injuries until the parents returned from the funeral and found the child. Maria quickly dialed the ambulance in hopes her precious Reggie could be saved. Unfortunately, his injuries were much too severe and he died shortly after arriving at the hospital.

Reggie’s grandfather commented on the tragedy, sharing that the entire situation was terrible, especially with the added death of his wife just a few days prior.

“Maria is in a state of shock. The baby was only three weeks old. My wife died on Friday [the day before] from cancer. It’s been terrible.”

Maria’s aunt, Sandra, was also concerned for her mental state.

“Maria’s in a really bad way. He was a lovely little baby. I only lost my mum the day before that.”

Police Superintendent Gillian Mitchell shared that the mauling is under investigation and that they are “carrying out enquiries to establish the circumstances,” according to the Mirror U.K.

“Our thoughts are with the family of the baby at this difficult time. We have officers supporting them and will continue to do so throughout our enquiries. The family dog was quickly taken from the house and is now in secure kennels.The call we received at approximately 4.15 am said a small child had received a dog bite at a home. Officers attended and found a three-week-old baby boy who appeared to have sustained a dog bite. Paramedics were called, they arrived very quickly and took the child to hospital. Unfortunately despite all their best efforts the child has died.”

For the time being, while the investigation is pending, Tricky has been removed from the home and is being housed at the local kennel until more questions can be answered.

[Photo Courtesy: Mirror U.K.]