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Dog mauling victim 'lit up lives' Dog mauling victim 'lit up lives'
(31 minutes later)
The family of a four-year-old boy who was mauled to death by a pitbull-type dog at his grandmother's house have said he was the "light of their lives". The family of a four-year-old boy who was mauled to death by a pit bull-type dog at his grandmother's house have said he was the "light of their lives".
John Paul Massey was fatally attacked by the illegally-held animal, in Wavertree, Liverpool, on Monday. John Paul Massey was attacked by the illegally-held animal, in Wavertree, Liverpool, on Monday.
Merseyside Police has apologised after an earlier report of dog breeding at the Wavertree house was not followed. Merseyside police have apologised after an earlier report of dog breeding at the Wavertree house was not followed.
On Wednesday, John Paul's family paid tribute to the youngster, who they described as a "born performer".On Wednesday, John Paul's family paid tribute to the youngster, who they described as a "born performer".
His mother, Angela, left the child with his grandmother, Helen Foulkes, to babysit at the house on Ash Grove on Sunday night. His mother, Angela, left the child with his grandmother, Helen Foulkes, at the house on Ash Grove on Sunday night.
The 63-year-old was also injured trying to pull the dog, called Uno, away from John Paul and was treated in hospital. The 63-year-old was injured trying to pull the dog, called Uno, away from John Paul and was treated in hospital.
John Paul was the light in all of our lives and when that light went out it took a piece of us with it forever Family statement
"John Paul was the light in all of our lives and when that light went out it took a piece of us with it forever," the family said in a statement."John Paul was the light in all of our lives and when that light went out it took a piece of us with it forever," the family said in a statement.
"He was full of energy, never still for a minute. He was a born performer and recently got a certificate for singing on his own at nursery." John Paul will be missed by everyone who knew him Family statement
"He was full of energy, never still for a minute. He was a born performer and recently got a certificate for singing on his own at nursery.
"He was a real chatterbox who had an answer for everything and his favourite word was 'why?'.
"He was a breath of fresh air and could light up a room with his cheeky smile and big personality - he was the whole family's sunshine.
"We want to thank all of our friends and family for their support.
"John Paul will be missed by everyone who knew him. He was a popular and friendly little boy and will never be forgotten."
In February, a housing officer told police that residents had complained about suspected dog breeding at the property, but were wrongly told it was not a police matter.In February, a housing officer told police that residents had complained about suspected dog breeding at the property, but were wrongly told it was not a police matter.
The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is investigating why the reports about breeding were not followed up.
Police are now treating the matter as a criminal inquiryPolice are now treating the matter as a criminal inquiry
The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is investigating why the reports about breeding were not followed up.
The dog was shot dead by armed police outside the house in the early hours of Monday.The dog was shot dead by armed police outside the house in the early hours of Monday.
A criminal investigation was launched when tests later revealed the dog was a banned breed. A criminal investigation was started when tests later revealed the dog was a banned breed.
The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 bans the breeding, sale or exchange of four kinds of dogs: pit bull terriers, Japanese tosas, the dogo Argentinos and the fila brasileiros.The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 bans the breeding, sale or exchange of four kinds of dogs: pit bull terriers, Japanese tosas, the dogo Argentinos and the fila brasileiros.
Cross-breeds of these are also covered by the law. Other dogs that appear bred for fighting are also banned. Cross-breeds of these are also covered by the law. Other dogs that appear to have been bred for fighting are also banned.
A dog classed as dangerously out of control in a public place can be destroyed and the owner fined or jailed for up to six months.A dog classed as dangerously out of control in a public place can be destroyed and the owner fined or jailed for up to six months.
Owners can be imprisoned for a maximum of two years if their dog injures someone.Owners can be imprisoned for a maximum of two years if their dog injures someone.