A tragic incident occurred on Sunday, February 2, 2025, when an 11-month-old infant was fatally attacked by the family’s Malinois dog at their home in Questembert, Morbihan, France. The attack happened around 3:30 PM as the infant was with his parents, who were watching television.
According to local reports, the parents were unprepared for the sudden attack from one of their three Malinois dogs. The infant suffered severe injuries, and emergency medical personnel were dispatched to the scene shortly after the incident. Despite their best efforts to save the child, he succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter.
Moving quickly, the father attempted to intervene during the attack but was bitten as he tried to protect his son. Both parents were taken to the hospital for their injuries, leaving them deeply traumatized by the event.
Witnesses recounted the horror of the situation. Boris Lemaire, the mayor of Questembert, stated, “This drama reminds us these dogs are potentially dangerous animals. This type of dog is not just any pet.” His comments highlight the urgent need for awareness and training among dog owners, especially those with breeds known for aggressive tendencies.
Emergency responders included 23 firefighters who arrived quickly to assist. The child received medical attention for over one hour on the scene before being pronounced dead. Reports indicated there had been plans to airlift the child via the Dragon 56 emergency helicopter, but those plans were canceled as it became evident the child's injuries were fatal.
The family, originally from the Paris region, had only recently moved to Questembert around March of the previous year. They had not been known to municipal services, and the nature of the incident raised many questions about the dog's behavior and training.
Following the attack, all three of the family’s dogs were placed under the care of specialized professionals who sedated them for safe handling. The dog responsible for the attack is expected to be euthanized after behavioral assessments have been conducted to evaluate possible aggression triggers.
This incident has prompted local authorities to launch an investigation to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the child's tragic death. It remains unclear what factors may have led to the sudden aggression displayed by the dog.
Such events have ignited discussions about dog ownership responsibilities, especially when it involves breeds like the Malinois, which can exhibit protective and aggressive behavior if not properly trained and socialized. Community members have expressed their condolences and shock at the family's loss, reflecting on the unexpected nature of what should have been a peaceful, everyday afternoon.
The Questembert community is now grappling with the aftermath of this devastating event, and the mayor's calls for vigilance serve as reminders of the importance of proper dog ownership and the potential risks associated with breeds known for their protective instincts.
The future of this family now weighs heavily on the thoughts of the local community, which is mourning the loss of such innocent life, alongside dealing with the horror of the circumstances surrounding the infant's death. Residents are left asking what measures can be taken to prevent such tragedies from occurring again, underscoring the shared responsibility of pet owners to maintain safe environments for children.