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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 pit bull-type dog at his grandmother's house have said he was the "light of their lives". | |
John Paul Massey was attacked by the illegally-held animal, in Wavertree, Liverpool, on Monday. | |
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, at the house on Ash Grove on Sunday night. | |
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," 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. |
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. |
Police are now treating the matter as a criminal inquiry | Police 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 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 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. |
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