A nine-month-old baby, Jonte William Bluck, died after suffering catastrophic head injuries from a family dog, an inquest in Newport heard on Monday.
Jonte was staying with his father, Jarrod Bluck, for the weekend when the fatal incident occurred.
Paramedics rushed him to Grange University Hospital, but he tragically passed away before arrival.
Incident Occurred Amid Firework Disturbances
Neighbours told investigators the dog, a six-year-old XL Bully, may have been startled by nearby fireworks in the run-up to Bonfire Night.
Area coroner Rose Farmer confirmed the provisional cause of death was a compressive head injury consistent with a dog bite.
The inquest into Jonte’s death has been adjourned until August next year.
Arrests and Investigation
Following the tragedy, a man in his 30s and a woman in her 20s from Rogiet were arrested on suspicion of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury resulting in death, as well as child neglect.
Both were later released on police bail while investigations continue.
Details About the Dog
The dog involved had been registered with the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) and had a certificate of exemption issued in 2024, allowing it to be kept legally despite breed restrictions.
After the incident, the dog was seized and subsequently put down.
Assistant Chief Constable Vicki Townsend emphasised the ongoing nature of the inquiry and urged the public not to speculate.
Community Support and Fundraising
The community rallied around Jonte’s family following the tragedy.
A local fundraiser was quickly set up in Rogiet, near Caldicott, Gwent, aiming to raise £3,500.
Within 24 hours, donations had more than doubled, surpassing £7,100, as neighbours and well-wishers showed their support during this heartbreaking time.
Continuing Inquiry
Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Jonte’s death, including the dog’s previous behaviour and the events leading up to the fatal bite.
Authorities have asked anyone with information to come forward, stressing the importance of helping the investigation rather than speculating.
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