Dad Fatally Stabs Family Pit Bull To Stop It From Mauling 1-Year-Old Daughter's Face

Tragedy struck a family when its pit bull terrier attacked a 1-year-old. According to the Providence Journal, Remmy Goulart of East Falmouth, Massachusetts, was mauled and left with life-threatening injuries. After the incident, her father stabbed and killed the dog.

According to Mass Live, the attack on the child occurred on Sunday at the family's home on Brick Kiln Road. The child was apparently playing in the kitchen with her father nearby when the terrier attacked her. The dog bit the 1-year-old in the face and caused what authorities have described as "major trauma."

The father, Reece Goulart, then sprung into action to try to keep the dog away from the child. He first wanted to shoot the dog, but ultimately stabbed it.

"The father immediately attempted to separate the dog from the child, but was unable," police said. "He retrieved a pistol from an adjacent room, but when he realized that it was not loaded he grabbed a knife and began stabbing the animal in order to protect the child. The dog was fatally wounded."

The attack was reportedly unprovoked, and the pit bull terrier had no history of violence.

A GoFundMe page was set up to pay for "multiple surgeries" for the child. The page says that Remmy is at Boston Children’s Hospital for an undetermined amount of time.

The page reached its initial goal, and its originator shared this message: "You guys are absolutely amazing. Goal Reached. I’m going to keep upping it as we reach it. The more we can raise the better. This family has been through a lot and we all want to be able to take financial stress away so they can focus on their beautiful baby. Thank you so much!! Keep sharing away! We love you all!!!"

There are numerous reports of dogs, specifically pit bulls, attacking children. As Time reported, although pit bulls make up only 6 percent of the dog population, they’re responsible for 68 percent of dog attacks (and 52 percent of dog-related deaths) since 1982, per stats compiled by Merritt Clifton. Some critics argue that being aggressive is intrinsic to the nature of pit bulls.

“Why do herding dogs herd? Why do pointing dogs point? They don’t learn that behavior, that’s selective behavior,” asked Colleen Lynn, president and founder of DogsBite.org. “Pit bulls were specifically bred to go into that pit with incredible aggression and fight.”

Sara Enos, the founder and president of the American Pit Bull Foundation, says that pit bulls aren't inherently aggressive, and they often get a bad rap. She argues that pit bull behavior is subjective depending on its owners. 

“It really boils down to being responsible owners,” she said. “Any dog from any breed can be aggressive, it matters how it’s treated.”

[Photos: GoFundMe]