THE DOG that attacked and killed a three-month-old baby while she was in her cot has been put down, Gardaí have confirmed.
Baby girl Mia O'Connell was in her cot in her bedroom in Clashmore, County Waterford, when the family dog entered the room and mauled her to death in the early hours of Monday morning.
She was discovered by her aunt, who was visiting the home, and the emergency services were immediately called, but despite the best efforts of emergency services she tragically passed away from her injuries.
The house was sealed off in order for officers from the Garda Technical Bureau to undertake an examination, and a post-mortem was completed on the child by Assistant State Pathologist, Dr. Margaret Bolster yesterday afternoon.
The results of the post-mortem have not been released for "operational reasons", Gardaí have confirmed.
In a statement released by An Garda Síochána, they confirmed they are preparing a file for an inquest into Mia's death by the County Coronor.
They also confirmed that the animal involved in her death, reported to be a terrier mix, has been "destroyed".
"An Garda Síochána has appointed a family liaison officer to the family and An Garda Síochána continues to support the family at this tragic time," they added.
The horrific story has sent shockwaves across the local community and beyond, with Waterford Mayor Damien Geoghegan, a Fine Gael Councillor, saying the town is "devastated" by the tragedy.
Minister for Justice Heather Humphreys earlier this week sent her deepest condolences to baby Mia's family, saying it was "an absolutely awful situation, to think that your little baby's life has been lost in such terrible, terrible circumstances".
The funeral for the little girl is being held in Cork today.
